M-4 Faisalabad–Pindi Bhattian section to be widened to six lanes

Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan said on Sunday that the 53-kilometre Faisalabad–Pindi Bhattian section of the M-4 Motorway is being upgraded from four to six lanes. The aim, he said, is safer and more convenient travel for commuters.

He made the remarks during a visit to the Kamalpur Interchange, where he inspected ongoing construction. According to a press release, the project will meet a demand of Faisalabad residents that has been pending for the last three decades.

The minister said the government would present Faisalabad residents with a modern motorway as a New Year gift if the expansion is completed on time. He said it would ease traffic congestion, make travel safer and help prevent road accidents.

Senior officials from the National Highway Authority (NHA), the National Logistics Cell (NLC) and other construction companies briefed him on progress. The project has been divided into three sections, with the NLC and other construction organisations doing the work.

Mr Khan directed authorities to increase machinery and workforce to speed up construction. He said no compromise would be tolerated on quality. He added that the NHA arranged all project funds from its own resources, so there should be no reason for delay.

On facilities, he said trees will be planted along both sides of the motorway, green belts developed in the central section and date palm trees added. He asked that the beautification meet modern standards and that lighting be complete along the Pindi Bhattian–Faisalabad section.

Rest areas will be set up for commuters between Pindi Bhattian and Faisalabad, and he told authorities to finalise their designs within one week. He appreciated the performance of NHA and Motorway Police officials and paid tribute to motorway police personnel who lost their lives on duty.

During the Faisalabad visit, former provincial minister Chaudhry Zahiruddin hosted a reception for him at his residence.