Abbottabad: [ReNews Pakistan]
The long awaited Abbottabad Interchange project has received fresh approval following a detailed review by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP), removing a key hurdle that had delayed the scheme and paving the way for construction work to commence in the near future.
According to former Federal Minister Murtaza Javed Abbasi, the interchange was originally announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in 2022 as part of efforts to improve road infrastructure and strengthen connectivity in the Hazara region. The project was subsequently tendered in 2023, but progress stalled due to a substantial increase in land acquisition costs.
Abbasi said that the federal government had already released PKR 600 million for the project. Initially, the acquisition of 119 kanals of land required for the interchange was estimated to cost around PKR 115 million. However, a revised assessment by the district administration increased the acquisition cost to approximately PKR 810 million, creating a significant funding gap and necessitating a review by the CDWP.
Following the review process, the project was granted fresh approval by the National Highway Authority’s (NHA) Departmental Development Committee. The approval is expected to accelerate implementation and allow authorities to proceed with the next phase of development.
Officials believe the interchange will play a crucial role in improving traffic management in Abbottabad, reducing congestion on key routes, and enhancing access for commuters and transporters traveling through the region. The project is also expected to benefit neighboring districts, including Mansehra and Haripur, by providing smoother and more efficient road connectivity.
Abbasi expressed optimism that construction activities would begin shortly after the completion of remaining administrative formalities. He added that the project’s inauguration is likely to be carried out by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif once work progresses to a suitable stage.
The Abbottabad Interchange is considered an important infrastructure initiative for the Hazara division, with stakeholders hoping it will support economic activity, facilitate regional mobility, and contribute to long-term transportation development in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.