New MNJC Motorway Approved: 172km Safe Route from Mansehra to Chilas with Pakistan’s Longest Tunnel

Travelers who have driven the Karakoram Highway know the drill. One landslide and your plans change. Heavy snow closes passes for months. The road feels beautiful but risky, especially with trucks sharing narrow bends.

That’s why the approval of the Mansehra-Naran-Jhal Khand-Chilas (MNJC) Motorway feels important. Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan gave the go-ahead in early June 2026 after a National Highway Authority meeting. The 172-kilometre four-lane road aims to fix many of these headaches.

The Route and How It Works

The motorway runs through Mansehra, Kaghan, Naran, Jhal Khand, and ends at Chilas. It gives a straighter, more reliable path than the current Karakoram Highway (KKH).

Officials say it will shorten travel distance by up to 120 kilometres. That adds up when you carry goods or just want to reach Gilgit-Baltistan faster.

The project is split into two phases:

• Phase 1: Mansehra to Babusar Top via Kaghan and Naran.

• Phase 2: Babusar Top to Chilas.

This step-by-step approach helps manage costs and allows early benefits in the first section.

The Star Feature: 13.5km Babusar Tunnel

The biggest talking point is the 13.5-kilometre Babusar Tunnel. Once finished, it will become Pakistan’s longest tunnel, beating the current record holder.

Tunnels like this change everything in mountainous areas. They keep the road open when snow blocks the pass above. Drivers avoid dangerous hairpin turns at high altitude. Travel becomes more predictable, especially for families and heavy vehicles.

The full motorway starts as four lanes, but designers left room to expand to six later. Rest areas every 25-30 kilometres and special trucking terminals will make long journeys easier.

Real Problems This Project Tackles

The existing Babusar Top road closes often in winter and after landslides or glacier activity. Recent reports from May and June 2026 show repeated closures due to snow and debris.

These interruptions hurt:

• Local businesses in Naran and Kaghan that depend on summer tourists.

• Traders moving goods between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.

• Emergency services and daily commuters.

A modern motorway with a long tunnel should reduce these shutdowns. Year-round access opens new possibilities for tourism beyond the short summer season.

Boost for Trade and Regional Links

Pakistan sits at an interesting spot between Central Asia, China, and warm-water ports. This motorway strengthens that position.

It connects western China more directly to Karachi and Gwadar ports. Shorter routes mean lower transport costs and faster delivery times. Officials believe this helps Gwadar grow as a real trade hub.

For people in northern areas, better roads bring practical gains. Easier movement of fresh produce, quicker access to markets, and more reliable supply chains for basics. Over time, this supports small industries and creates jobs during construction and operation.

Impact on Tourism in Kaghan and Naran

Naran, Kaghan, and the surrounding valleys already attract visitors who want mountains, rivers, and lakes. But limited season and tough roads hold back the full potential.

A safer, faster motorway could extend the tourist calendar. More people might visit in shoulder months. Hotels, guides, and local shops stand to gain. Families from central Punjab or Sindh could plan trips with more confidence.

Think about it. Instead of worrying about road closures, travelers focus on places like Saif-ul-Muluk Lake or the views at Babusar. That shift matters for local economies.

How It Fits with Bigger Plans

This project builds on ongoing work to upgrade northern routes, including CPEC-related improvements to the Karakoram Highway itself. Different sections serve different needs. The MNJC gives an alternative when the main KKH faces issues.

It also shows continued focus on infrastructure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. Good roads connect people, reduce isolation, and help balance development across regions.

Challenges Ahead

No big project comes easy. The area has difficult terrain, environmental concerns, and the need for solid technical planning. Land acquisition, weather delays, and funding timelines often test these efforts.

The minister directed officials to complete technical work quickly. Success depends on steady progress, quality construction, and proper maintenance after opening.

Environmental care also counts. The mountains are fragile. Planners need to balance development with protection of local ecosystems that draw tourists in the first place.

What This Means for Everyday People

If you live in Mansehra or travel north regularly, this brings hope for less stressful journeys. For business owners moving goods, it means potential savings on fuel, time, and vehicle wear.

Tourism operators can plan better. Investors might see opportunities in new hotels or services along the corridor.

Even if you don’t travel there often, stronger connectivity supports the national economy. Trade, tourism, and regional stability all benefit when movement gets easier.

Looking Forward

The MNJC Motorway is still in its early stages. Approval marks an important first step, but actual construction and completion will take time. Yet the direction feels clear: Pakistan keeps investing in better links to its northern areas and beyond.

This project addresses real pain points on current routes while opening doors for growth. Safer travel. More reliable trade. Fresh chances for tourism.

People who love the north have waited for improvements like this. If delivered well, the MNJC could become one of those routes everyone talks about, not just for the views, but for how smoothly it gets you there.

The coming months will show how quickly things move from plans to ground reality. For now, the approval itself gives something positive to watch in Pakistan’s infrastructure story. For more updates, visit DrivePK.com