ISLAMABAD: The M4 Gojra-Shorkot section of the National Motorway was opened for traffic on Saturday to promote regional trade, tourism and economic growth of the country under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The motorway is part of the CPEC to upgrade highway networks connecting the country’s southern and northern parts, helping improve road links between Pakistan and the neighbouring Central Asian countries as well as China.

ADB provided $178m for the four-lane, 61km project

The Asian Development Bank provided $178 million in financing for the four-lane, access-controlled 61-kilometre motorway, while the Department for International Development (DFID) of the United Kingdom provided $92 million in grant financing.

“The new road will unlock trade and agribusiness potential for millions of people in the Gojra, Shorkot, and adjoining area and will bring many smaller cities and towns in a more efficient transportation loop. It will also provide people better access to health and education facilities,” said ADB Country Director for Pakistan, Xiaohong Yang.

Published in Dawn, February 4th , 2019