NHA to Link Kartarpur and Nankana Sahib with New Motorway
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan has announced a new expressway project aimed at easing access to two of the most significant Sikh pilgrimage sites, Kartarpur and Nankana Sahib. The proposed Guru Nanak Expressway, connecting through Sialkot, is set to integrate these destinations into the national motorway network.
The directive came from Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, who instructed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to begin work on the project. Officials say the expressway will streamline travel for both local and international Sikh pilgrims.
Modern Infrastructure for Pilgrims
The motorway is more than a transit route, it’s being designed as a complete visitor experience. The NHA has been tasked with developing:
- Rest areas with modern facilities
- Retail malls along the route
- Three-star to five-star hotels
These developments aim to enhance the comfort and convenience of pilgrims while encouraging longer stays that could economically uplift surrounding areas such as Narang Mandi and Badu Malhi.
Global Diaspora Targeted for Investment
To attract foreign direct investment (FDI), government officials plan marketing campaigns focused on Sikh communities in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The initiative seeks to engage the diaspora in funding hotel, retail, and hospitality ventures along the route.
A government source stated the project could be a key milestone for religious tourism, potentially creating new jobs and business opportunities in Punjab’s central districts.
Cultural Tourism as National Strategy
By connecting Kartarpur, already accessible via the Kartarpur Corridor and Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, this expressway may become a cornerstone of Pakistan’s broader cultural tourism push.
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