Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan conducted a comprehensive visit to the Islamabad-Murree Expressway on Saturday, reviewing ongoing development and construction work and issuing firm directives to ensure timely and high-standard completion of the project.
During the visit, Aleem Khan emphasized that the two-lane Expressway, a key route for tourists and residents alike, must be completed in accordance with international standards to ensure safe, uninterrupted, and comfortable travel. He called on the National Highway Authority (NHA) to expedite the construction process and deliver results within the stipulated timeframe.
“The quality of travel for tourists is a fundamental right, and we must shift away from outdated practices and embrace innovation in our infrastructure development,” the minister remarked.
He further stressed the importance of completing rest areas and emergency stopping zones for travellers as soon as possible and directed officials to ensure that essential facilities are in place at these points.
The minister also inspected under-construction rest areas and reviewed the beautification efforts, including the upcoming memorial walls along both sides of the Expressway. He noted that the installation of decorative lighting on the Expressway has been completed and praised the NHA’s efforts in enhancing the route’s aesthetic appeal.
He also issued strict instructions against illegal constructions and encroachments along the Expressway’s designated boundaries. “There should be no compromise when it comes to protecting public infrastructure from illegal activities,” he warned, urging authorities to take swift action against violators.
Expressing satisfaction over the recent launch of the e-Tag facility at the Murree Toll Plaza, the federal minister noted that the move has successfully eliminated long queues, significantly improving traffic flow and easing public travel.
Citizens and tourists present during the visit expressed appreciation for the minister’s efforts, calling the upgrades on the Expressway a timely and much-needed initiative. They also acknowledged the improvements as a sign of the government’s seriousness in modernizing travel infrastructure across the country.
Senior officials from the NHA and the Federal Ministry of Communications accompanied the minister and briefed him on the progress of the Expressway project.
