KP Greenlights Tunnel to Reduce Haripur to Islamabad Journey to 10 Minutes

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has approved a highly anticipated infrastructure project designed to dramatically reduce travel time between Haripur and Islamabad.

The initiative involves constructing two twin tunnels through the Margalla Hills, which will shorten the distance between the two cities to just eight kilometers, allowing commuters to make the journey in a swift 10-15 minutes.

These tunnels will create a vital transport link by directly connecting the Hazara Motorway (M-15) with Islamabad’s D-12 sector, providing a modern and efficient route for daily travelers.

Construction is scheduled to commence in December 2025, with an expected completion date of December 2028. The project is included in the KP Annual Development Programme for 2025 and will be executed through a public-private partnership model.

The provincial government has allocated Rs1 billion for the initial phase, with additional support from the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

A feasibility study has been completed, ensuring the tunnels will adhere to international standards, featuring adequate lighting and safety measures.

This pioneering project is poised to transform regional travel by cutting the current journey time from over an hour to just minutes, thereby enhancing connectivity and stimulating economic growth in both Haripur and Islamabad.