M2 motorway (Pakistan)

Pakistan motorway routebox
motorway logo=
motorway= M2
length-km= 367
length-mi=
direction= North-South
start= Lahore
destinations= Faisalabad, Sargodha, Rawalpindi
end= Islamabad
opening-date= 1992
completion-date= 1997
junctions= M3
motorway owner= NHA Pakistan
motorway operator= NHA

The M2 is a motorway in the Punjab province of Pakistan. It is 367 km long and connects Lahore with Islamabad. It passes through Kala shah kaku, Sheikhupura, Khanqah Dogran,Kot Sarwar, Pindi Bhattian, Salem, Lilla, Kot Momin, Kallar Kahar, Balksar, and Chakri before ending just outside the twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad. It then continues on to eventually become the M1 motorway linking the twin cities with Peshawar. The M2 crosses the junction of the M3 (to Faisalabad) at Pindi Bhattian.

Route

The M2 starts to the west of Lahore, at the Thokar Niaz Baig junction of N5 (National Highway No. 5). Once it crosses the Ravi River, it diverges away from the N5 (also known as GT or Grand Trunk Road) and heads east towards Sheikhupura. After passing the Sheikhupura Interchange then Khanqah Dogran Interchange comes at the distance of 36 Km from Sheikhupura Interchange. After once at Pindi Bhattian, it crosses the M3 junction and then turns north-west. It continues all the way to Kallar Kahar, where the M2 enters the Salt Ranges. This stretch of motorway has been considered the most dangerous road in all of Pakistan for it's sharp turns. At certain points, the maximum speed of all vehicles must be 20 km/h. Once past the Salt Ranges, the M2 turns north and ends just west of Rawalpindi at the junction between the Islamabad Link Road and the M1. The whole stretch of the M2 consists of 6 lanes, and there are a number of rest areas along the route, with washroom and eating facilities.

History

The M2 was conceived by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in his first term(1990-1993) and later inaugurated in 1997, [ [http://www.pakpost.gov.pk/philately/stamps97/motorway.html Pakistan Motorway Project ] ] during his second term. In late 2006, upgrades were made to the portion of the M2 passing through the Salt Ranges due to increasing complaints of drivers. The upgrades included better marking of the road lines and increased size of road signs for easy visibility.

Junctions & Interchanges

"*Note: Airport Link Road is currently under proposal"

Gallery

"Interchanges"

Here is an incomplete (but sorted from North to South) list of interchanges along with the satellite images.

"Misc"

Interesting facts

* One of the most expensive motorways in Asia
* Has the highest pillared-bridge in Asia (at the Khewra Salt Range)

ee also

*Motorways of Pakistan
*National Highways of Pakistan
*Transport in Pakistan
*National Highway Authority

References

External links