Islamabad: In a major development, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) has approved an increase in the land acquisition budget for the Karachi–Lahore Motorway (KLM), raising the allocation to Rs 68.8 billion. This revision reflects a 34 percent hike from the original 2014 estimate of Rs 51 billion.
The approved plan covers the acquisition of 25,925 acres across the proposed 959 km motorway. This includes land earmarked not only for the main carriageway but also for interchanges, service areas, and utilities relocation.
Officials say the cost escalation is largely due to rising land valuation trends and increased expenses associated with shifting utilities in the affected areas.
The National Highway Authority (NHA) will oversee the acquisition process, coordinating with provincial governments to compensate landowners and manage right-of-way issues.
Observers note that this move is part of the government’s broader push to complete the Karachi–Lahore Motorway, a project critical for enhancing national road connectivity and economic integration.
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