Islamabad: Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has ordered a comprehensive overhaul of the Murree-Islamabad Expressway, following concerns over the unsatisfactory conditions of the vital route. Issues ranging from poor cleanliness, illegal parking, unauthorized pathways, and other irregularities were highlighted during his inspection visit.
During the visit, Abdul Aleem Khan expressed his displeasure at the current state of affairs and emphasized the need for urgent improvements. The minister instructed the National Highway Authority (NHA) and Motorway Police to ensure visible enhancements within the next 15 days and submit a follow-up report detailing the progress.
“This expressway is a major tourist route, and visitors from across the country deserve well-maintained and well-managed facilities,” said Aleem Khan. He pointed out the long queues at toll plazas and directed the authorities to integrate the Murree Expressway with the M-Tag system, similar to the Lahore-Sialkot Motorway, to allow for smoother, uninterrupted travel for commuters.
A key focus of the inspection was the closure of unauthorized access points, as well as preventing unregulated entry of motorcycles and vehicles. Aleem Khan also called for the development of a comprehensive policy to address these ongoing issues. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring safety and cleanliness along the route and promised long-term solutions for damaged safety barriers and lack of proper lane markings.
Aleem Khan also proposed special arrangements at toll plazas during peak tourist seasons and the creation of fully equipped rest areas along the expressway. These rest areas, he said, should provide essential facilities for travelers, especially those coming from distant regions, to ensure their comfort and safety.
Accompanied by the Federal Secretary for Communications, Chairman of NHA, and senior officers from the Motorway Police, Aleem Khan personally stopped at multiple locations along the expressway to assess the situation and issued immediate on-the-spot instructions to address the problems.
Throughout his visit, the minister was warmly welcomed by citizens and tourists who appreciated his proactive stance on improving the expressway’s conditions. Aleem Khan announced that he would personally inspect the Murree Expressway on a monthly basis to ensure continued progress.
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