Sialkot Lahore Motorway
Sialkot Lahore Motorway is the under construction 89 kilometers long, high speed and limited access highway in Pakistan. The project was announced in 2016 and will be completed by 2018. On completion, Sialkot Lahore Motorway (SLM) will have 4 lanes, 7 interchanges, 8 flyovers, 40 bridges and 80 underpasses. The government has also planned to establish 3 industrial zones and 2 universities along the route.
Purpose! A part of CPEC
CPEC is the game changer as it will have great impact on economy of Pakistan. Sialkot Lahore Motorway is the part of China Pakistan Economic Corridor. SLM will be connected to M2 via Kala Shah Kaku Interchange. SLM will easily transport the goods from Sialkot to the world market. This road will also help in the fast delivery of goods from Sialkot to other areas of Pakistan.
Objections
Many people have objected the construction of Sialkot Lahore Motorway. According to this group, it’s not the most preferable way to connect the different cities as millions of acres of agricultural land will be acquired for the project. According to this group it was much better to convert G.T. Road to motorway or 8 lanes expressway as most population and cities are located on this road.
Advantages
Firstly, SLM it will reduce the time between Lahore and Sialkot to just 45 minutes. Secondly, it will create employment opportunities as people can easily move between two cities due to less traveling time. Thirdly, this road will also help in controlling the floods by serving as a barrier. Fourthly, SLM will connect many areas.
Disadvantages
Like advantages, SLM will have some drawbacks too. Firstly it will make Sialkot a mere satellite Town of Lahore. Secondly, it will have negative impact on Sialkot commercial markets as most people will prefer to visit Lahore for shopping. Thirdly, property prices will fall in Sialkot but will rise in Lahore, as people always prefer to live in mega cities.