The authority stated that the goal of constructing this highway is to facilitate trade and promote economic development in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. It also mentioned that the estimated cost of the project is 385 million dollars.

According to reports, the project was initially scheduled to begin in 2017. However, due to various reasons, it faced delays. Now, the project has been handed over to a contractor on behalf of a company.

The Pakistan Ministry of Affairs also announced that this project is part of regional economic cooperation in Central Asia, providing the shortest route between Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the Arabian Sea.

The current highway between Peshawar and Torkham, which has been an important trade route between South Asia and Central Asia for centuries, handles approximately 10,000 vehicles daily. However, issues such as congestion and steep slopes have made travel difficult.

According to the assessments of the Pakistan National Highway Authority, this highway was not designed to handle high traffic volumes and is unable to meet the current demands. The authority predicts that with the growth of trade between the regional countries, the daily traffic on this route will rise from 10,000 vehicles to 30,000 vehicles.

The new highway project will not only improve regional trade but also help to address the traffic congestion and infrastructure issues that have hindered smooth movement in the area. By providing a modern and efficient road system, it is expected to enhance connectivity and economic cooperation among the countries of the region.

As the project progresses, it will play a crucial role in strengthening the economic ties between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia, facilitating smoother and faster transportation of goods, and contributing to the overall economic growth of the region.

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