Islamabad–Haripur in 10 Minutes

Travel between Islamabad and Haripur is expected to change dramatically as the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved construction of two twin tunnels through the Margalla Hills, a project that will reduce travel time between the two cities to just 10 to 15 minutes. Currently, the journey can stretch to nearly an hour depending on traffic, but once the tunnels are complete the distance will shrink to only eight kilometers, linking Islamabad’s Sector D-12 directly with the Hazara Motorway (M-15).

According to officials, construction is scheduled to begin in December 2025, with completion anticipated by December 2028. The project will be executed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, and the provincial government has already allocated Rs. 1 billion for the first year to ensure the initiative starts on time. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has been tasked with supporting coordination, since the new link will directly connect to Islamabad’s road network.

A detailed feasibility study has already been conducted, confirming the viability of the tunnels. The design calls for modern lighting, ventilation, and safety systems that meet international standards. Authorities say the route will provide not only convenience for commuters but also a faster corridor for freight and goods transport. The Hazara Development Authority (HDA) stressed that the project will ease congestion on existing roads while opening new opportunities for the regional economy.

The idea of digging tunnels through the Margalla Hills is not new. Plans to connect Haripur and Islamabad in this way were first floated two decades ago but stalled repeatedly due to funding shortfalls and shifting government priorities. Officials now say the current administration is committed to making the long-awaited project a reality, even if federal support is limited. They describe it as a breakthrough for a region that has seen major infrastructure delayed for years.

The benefits are expected to extend well beyond shorter travel times. Islamabad residents will gain relief from bottlenecks at existing entry and exit points, while Haripur and the surrounding Hazara region are likely to attract more investment and jobs thanks to better access to the federal capital. Local businesses anticipate expanding their reach to new markets, and many residents see the development as a way to strengthen family and cultural ties. Tourism is also expected to get a boost, with weekend trips from Islamabad to Haripur’s scenic spots becoming far easier once the journey takes minutes instead of nearly an hour.

Experts, however, caution that tunnel construction in the Margalla Hills brings technical and environmental challenges. Engineers emphasize that international standards must be met to ensure safety and prevent delays, while environmental groups are expected to monitor the project closely to protect biodiversity in Margalla National Park. Balancing infrastructure needs with ecological preservation will be one of the government’s key tasks as work moves forward.

Despite these challenges, the approval of the twin tunnels marks an important milestone. With funding in place and construction timelines announced, a project that has lingered in planning documents for more than 20 years is finally moving ahead. If the work proceeds on schedule, residents of Islamabad and Haripur could soon find themselves connected by a swift and modern corridor, reducing their travel to the time of an ordinary city commute.

By December 2028, the promise of reaching Haripur from Islamabad in just 10 minutes may become a reality — a leap forward that has been decades in the making and one that could reshape mobility, business, and daily life across the region.