List of Motorways in Pakistan
Do you know the M-2 Motorway was the first in Pakistan and South Asia?
The network of Motorways is spread all over Pakistan. These motorways have significantly improved the transportation quality in the country. They let the citizens enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted journey. Additionally, the motorway routes have reduced travel costs significantly. The importance of motorways is undeniable, as they are a more efficient mode of transportation for laymen and businesses.
Here in the blog, we will discuss motorways in Pakistan and their importance to the economy.
| Motorway | Route | Status | Length(KM) | Lanes | Year of Completion | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | M-1 | Peshawar-Islamabad | Operational | 155 | 6 | 2006 | |
| 2. | M-2 | Islamabad-Lahore | Operational | 375 | 6 | 1997 | |
| 3. | M-3 | Lahore-Abdul Hakeem | Operational | 230 | 6 | 2019 | |
| 4. | M-4 | Pindi Bhattian–Multan | Operational | 309 | 4-6 | 2019 | |
| 5. | M-5 | Multan–Sukkur | Operational | 392 | 6 | 2019 | |
| 6. | M-6 | Sukkur-Hyderabad | Under Construction | 306 | 6 | 2024 | |
| 7. | M-7 | Dadu-Hub | Planned | 270 | – | – | |
| 8. | M-8 | Ratodero–Gwadar | Partial Operational | 892 | 2 | 2022 | |
| 9. | M-9 | Hyderabad-Karachi | Operational | 136 | 6 | 2018 | |
| 10. | M-10 | Karachi Northern Bypass | Operational | 57 | 2 | 2007 | |
| 11. | M-11 | Lahore-Sialkot | Operational | 103 | 4 | 2020 | |
| 12. | M-12 | Sambrial-Kharian | Under Construction | 69 | 4 | — | |
| 13. | M-13 | Kharian – Rawalpindi | Under Construction | 117 | 4 | 2024 | |
| 14. | M-14 | Islamabad–D.I Khan | Operational | 285 | 4 | 2022 | |
| 15. | M-15 | Hasan Abdal–Thakot | Operational | 180 | 6-4-2 | 2020 | |
| 16. | M-16 | Swabi – Chakdara | Operational | 160 | 4 | 2020 |
1. M-1 Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway
The Peshawar Islamabad Motorway (M-1) connects Peshawar to Islamabad. It originates from Peshawar city and ends at Islamabad at the point where M-2 starts. The length of the motorway is 155 km falling 88 km in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 67 km in Punjab.
The construction work on the M-1 was started in 1997. Later, it was opened to the public in 2007. The total cost of the motorway was USD 314 million.
In addition, the M-1 facilitates citizens living in nearby areas. The connected cities with the Motorway are Charsadda, Risalpur, Swabi, Rashakai in KPK, and Attock, Burhan, and Hasan Abdal in Punjab. Furthermore, it connects KPK with Punjab after crossing a bridge over the Indus River.
M-1 Interchanges
The M-1 (Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway) has a total of 14 interchanges. Airport Link Road
- Islamabad Interchange
- Sanjiani Interchange
- Brahma Bhatar Interchange
- Burhan (Hassan Abadal/ Kamra),
- Hazara Expressway (E-35),
- Ghazi Interchange
- Chachh Interchange
- Swabi Interchange
- Rashakai Interchange
- Charsadda Interchange
- Peshawar Northern Bypass
- Peshawar Ring Road Interchange
- Brahma Bahtar-Yarik Motorway
2. M-2 Islamabad-Lahore Motorway
Islamabad-Lahore Motorway (M-2) connects Rawalpindi and Islamabad with Lahore. It has 6 lanes facilitating vehicles with easy and seamless transportation. The length of M-2 is 375 km falling entirely in the province of Punjab.
In addition, the construction work on the motorway was started in 1990, and it was inaugurated and opened for public transportation in 1997. Proudly, it is the first motorway built in South Asia. The motorway has immense significance from investment point of view as there are many housing societies located in nearby locations.
Interchanges on M-2
- M-2-M1 Junction, Islamabad
- Thalian Interchange
- Chakri Interchange
- Neelah Dullah Interchange M-2
- Balkasar Interchange
- Kallar Kahar Interchange
- Lilla Interchange
- Bhera Interchange
- Saalam Interchange
- Kot Momin Interchange
- Makhdoom Interchange
- Pindi Bhattian Interchange
- Sukheki Interchange
- Khanqah Dogran Interchange
- Hiran Minar Interchange
- Sheikhupura Interchange
- Kala Shah Kaku Interchange
- Kot Abdul Malik Interchange
- Faiz Pure Interchange
- Babu Sabu Interchange
- M-2 Zero Point, Lahore
3. M-3 Lahore-Abdul Hakeem Motorway
Lahore-Abdul Hakeem Motorway (M-3) is a north-south motorway in Pakistan. It connects Lahore to Abdul Hakeem City. In addition, it is a parallel motorway of M-4 which connects the M-2 to the same city, Abdul Hakeem.
The M-3 Motorway was inaugurated in 2019. It has 6 lanes, and the total length of the motorway is 230 km.
Interchanges on M-3
- Shorkot Cantonment
- Rajana, Toba Tek Singh
- Samundri
- Jaranwala
- Nankana Sahib
- Sheikhupura
4. M-4 Pindi Bhattian-Multan Motorway
The M-4 Motorway (Pindi Bhattian – Multan Motorway) connects the cities of Faisalabad and Multan. Furthermore, it also connects M-2, M-3, and M-5 motorways. The total length of the M-4 Motorway is 309 km facilitating vehicles with 4 to 6 lanes.
The construction work on the M-4 was started in 2003 in the era of Pervaiz Musharaf. However, it was made operational in 2019. It originates near the M-2 Pindi Bhattian interchange and continues while connecting the cities of Faisalabad, Gojra, TT Singh, Shorkot, Abdul Hakeem, Khanewal and Multan.
Interchanges on M-4
- Shah Shams Tabrez (Multan)
- Shah Rukn-e-Alam (Multan)
- Shamkot (Khanewal)
- Kabirwala
- Makhdoom Pur Pahoran
- Abdul Hakeem
- Shorkot
- Waryam Wala road
- Toba Tek Singh.jhang
- Gojra.jhang
- Painsra/ jhang
- Aminpur
- Kamalpur
- Deptywala
- Sahianwala
5. M-5 Multan-Sukkur Motorway
M-5 or Multan Sukkur Motorway is located in the North-South of Pakistan connecting Multan and Sukkur. It is a 6-lane motorway also part of CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor). The approval for the motorway construction was granted in 2014 with an estimated cost of USD 2.5 billion. Traffic operation on the motorway was inaugurated in 2019.
The Motorway starts from Multan and passes through Shujabad, Jalalpur Pirwala, Ahmedpur East, Rahimyar Khan, Sadiqabad, Ubauro, and Pano Aqil before it ends at Sukkur. Furthermore, the Motorway has a total of 11 interchanges.
Interchanges on M-5
- Multan
- Shujaabad
- Jalalpur Pirwala
- Bahawalpur
- Uch Sharif
- Tarinda
- Zahir Peer
- Rahim Yar Khan Toll Plaza
- Guddu
- Ghotki
- Pano Aqil
- Sukkur
6. M-6 Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway
Sukkur Hyderabad Motorway is under construction. After completion, the M-6 Motorway will connect Sukkur city to Hyderabad. The construction cost of the motorway is estimated to be USD 1.7 billion. It will be a 6-lane motorway having a length of 306 km long. The M-6 motorway is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The M-6 Motorway will connect with M-9 motorway at Jamshoro for onward connection with Karachi. Furthermore, the Motorway will also be connected to the cities of Matiari, Tando Adam, Shahdadpur, and Nawab Shah in central Sindh.
Interchanges on M-6
- Rohri
- Khairpur
- Larkana Rd
- Gadeji
- Mehrabpur
- Bhiria Rd
- Daur
- Nawabshah
- Shahdadpur
- Tando Adam
- Odero Lal
- Mitiari
- Hyderabad
- N-55
7. M-7 Dadu-Hub Motorway
The M7 motorway, also known as the Dadu-Hub Motorway, is part of the north-south route from Islamabad to Karachi. Stretching approximately 540 kilometers, it will connect Dadu in Sindh province to Hub in Balochistan province. This highway forms the southernmost segment of the route from Ratodero to Karachi.
Interchanges on M-7
Interchanges on M-7 The M-7 Motorway is still under construction. Therefore, the interchanges on the motorway are not operational.
8. M-8 Ratodero–Gwadar Motorway
The M-8 is an east-west motorway in Pakistan, connecting Sukkur-Larkana to Gwadar. While a 193-kilometer stretch between Gwadar and Hoshab was inaugurated in February 2016, the motorway is still under construction. Due to the challenging ground, there is no available timeline for its completion.
The Ratodero-Gwadar Motorway (M-8) will originate from Ratodero in Sindh Province and cross through desert regions of Balochistan Province, passing near the towns of Khuzdar, Awaran, Hoshab, and Turbat before joining the Makran Coastal Highway just east of the port city of Gwadar. Along its route, the M-8 will cross the Dasht River and pass near the Mirani Dam in Balochistan Province. With a total length of 892 kilometers, the M-8 will initially have 2 lanes, with plans to add another 2 lanes upon completion, making it a 4-lane motorway.
Interchanges on M-8
- Start of motorway Awaran
- Hoshab
- Turbat
- Makran Coastal Highway (N–10)
9. M-9 Hyderabad Karachi Motorway
The M-9 Motorway is a key transportation route in Pakistan, connecting Sindh’s largest cities, Karachi and Hyderabad. Upgrading the existing Super Highway, it features a modern 6-lane design with controlled access and exits. Stretching 136 kilometres, it boasts eight interchanges along its route.
For enhanced traffic flow, a designated trade corridor features an impressive 18-lane, two-way carriageway, spanning 400 meters in width. The design itself draws inspiration from Dubai’s Shaikh Zayed Road.
Recognizing its importance, authorities are planning to expand the M-9 from six to eight lanes, aiming to effectively manage traffic on this busy motorway.
Interchanges on M-9
- Dadabhai
- Industrial Valley
- Nooriabad
- Thana Bola Khan
- Karachi Interchanges
- Hyderabad Interchange
10. M-10 Karachi Northern Bypass Motorway
The 57-kilometer M-10 Motorway, also known as the Karachi Northern Bypass, serves as a vital expressway in Karachi. This two-lane route expedites travel between Karachi Port and the M-9 Motorway, bypassing the city’s main roads. The National Highway Authority (NHA) designated it as a motorway, and future plans include expanding it to four lanes.
Three key interchanges mark the M-10’s path: the M-9 interchange, the Trumpet Intersection, and the N-25 Interchange. It stretches from Muhammad Ali Jinnah Road to the KPT flyover, offering a convenient connection for both commercial and personal travelling.
Interchanges on M-10
- Super Highway Link Road
- Surjani Town Road
- Hub Dam Road
- Shahrah-e-Qaddafi
- Orangi Link Road
- Ittehad Town Road
11. M-11 Lahore-Sialkot Motorway
The Lahore-Sialkot Motorway (M-11) is another from the list of motorways of Pakistan connecting major cities of Pakistan including Lahore, Muridke, Kamoke, Daska, and Sialkot. The total length of the motorway is 103 km located on the north-south side of Punjab, Pakistan. It has facilitated the public by reducing the travelling cost as the alternate route between Lahore and Sialkot is 145 km. The construction on the motorway was started in 2018, and it was opened for public transport in 2020.
In addition, there are total 9 interchanges on the M-11 Motorway. For smooth and hassle-free transportation, there are 8 flyovers and 20 bridges facilitating the public.
Interchanges on M-11
- Mehmood Booti Interchange
- Exit to N-5
- Kala Shah Kaku Interchange
- Murideke Narowal Interchange
- Wahndo Interchange
- Pasrur Interchange
- Daska Pasrur Interchange
- Daska Sialkot Interchange
- Sialkot Interchange
12. M-12 Sambrial-Kharian Motorway
The M-12 motorway also referred to as the Sambrial-Kharian motorway, is presently under construction. The work on the motorway was started in July 2022. This motorway, extending over a length of 69 kilometers , will connect cities of Sambrial and Kharian. It will feature five interchanges, a service area, and a significant 1-kilometer bridge spanning the River Chenab. Initially designed as a four-lane motorway, it can potentially expand to six lanes. The project is anticipated to be completed within two years. This motorway aims to greatly enhance regional connectivity and facilitate smoother travel upon its completion.
Interchanges on M-12
There will be 5 interchanges on the M-12 Motorway.
- Sambrial Interchange
- Daska Interchange
- Wazirabad Interchange
- Gujrat Interchange
- Kharian Interchange
13. M-13 Kharian – Rawalpindi Motorway
The M-13 (Kharian-Rawalpindi motorway) is currently under construction in Pakistan. The construction work was having started in September 2022. This 117 km motorway will connect Rawalpindi to Kharian and feature 8 interchanges, 2 service areas, 26 bridges—including one over the River Jhelum—and two twin-tube tunnels measuring 1.3 km and 0.6 km to traverse the Salt Range, one of the highest mountain ranges in Pakistan, between Dina and Sohawa.
The M-13 will reduce the travel time between Islamabad and Lahore by one hour compared to the existing M2 (Islamabad-Lahore Motorway) and will ease traffic on the parallel N5 Highway. It will also link to the M2 Motorway via the Rawalpindi Ring Road.
Interchanges on M-13
- Sarai Alamgir
- Jhelum
- Dina
- Sohawa
- Gujar Khan
- Mandra
- Banth Moor
- Chak Bali
14. M-14 Islamabad–D.I Khan
The M-14 Islamabad–Dera Ismail Khan Motorway or Hakla–Yarik Motorway, is a four-lane north–south motorway in Pakistan. Spanning 285 km, it is an important part of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor’s (CPEC) Western Alignment. This motorway facilitates high-speed travel between the Islamabad-Rawalpindi metropolitan region and the southern areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa near Dera Ismail Khan. Although its completion was initially scheduled for the end of 2018, the project was delayed and officially opened for public transport on 5 January 2022.
Interchanges on M-14
- Hakla Interchange
- Fateh Jang Interchange
- Pindi Gheb Interchange
- Tarap Interchange
- Jand Interchange
- Daudkhel Interchange
- Kot Balian Interchange
- Paikhel Interchange
- Kundal Interchange
- Isa Khel Interchange
- Abdul Khel Interchange
- Yarik Terminal Interchange
15. M-15 Hasan Abdal–Thakot
The M-15 Motorway, also referred to as the Hazara Motorway is a 180-kilometer motorway in Pakistan. This motorway connects the Burhan Interchange near Hasan Abdal in Punjab province to key locations in the Hazara Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Haripur, Havelian, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Shinkiari, Battagram, and Thakot.
Interchanges on M-15
- Burhan Interchange
- Havelian Interchange
- Abbottabad Interchange
- Mansehra Interchange
- Shinkiari Interchange
- Battagram Interchange
- Thakot Interchange
16. M-16 Swabi – Chakdara Motorway
The M-16 (Swat Motorway) or Swat Expressway spanning 160 kilometers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. This four-lane motorway enhances regional connectivity and economic development. Phase-1 of the motorway links the established M-1 motorway at Nowshera with Chakdara, while Phase-2, currently underway, aims to extend the motorway to Fatehpur. This project underscores Pakistan’s commitment to modernizing its transport networks, fostering growth, and improving accessibility across the province.
Interchanges on M-16
- Nowshera Interchange
- Chakdara Interchange
- Fatehpur Interchange (Planned for Phase-2)
Conclusion
We discussed important motorways in Pakistan. There are a total of 16 motorways ranging from M-1 to M-16 connecting various cities. We discussed the importance of these motorways and how they play a vital role in developing a country’s life standards and economy. These motorways have played an important role in promoting businesses in Pakistan i.e. tourism, hotels and restaurants, and courier services.
FAQs
How many motorways does Pakistan have?
There are total 16 motorways in Pakistan. including:
- M-1
- M-2
- M-3
- M-4
- M-5
- M-6
- M-7
- M-8
- M-9
- M-10
- M-11
- M-12
- M-13
- M-14
- M-15
- M-16
Who owns motorways in Pakistan?
The Motorways in Pakistan are operated under the supervision of the Pakistan National Highway Authority. However, they are the government property.
What is the difference between motorways and expressways in Pakistan?
In Pakistan, motorways typically have more lanes, a higher speed limit (120 km/h), and stricter design standards, while expressways generally have fewer lanes and a lower speed limit (100 km/h), but both have controlled access and are designed for high-speed travel between cities or regions.
Which motorway is M1?
Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway is called the M-1 Motorway.
Which is the longest motorway in Pakistan?
The longest motorway in Pakistan is M-8 (Ratodero–Gwadar Motorway).
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