Sialkot: The management of Sialkot International Airport Limited (SIAL) has asked the government to provide direct connectivity to Sialkot Airport to Sambrial-Kharian motorway (M-11) through an interchange, news sources reported.
The National Highway Authority (NHA), however, on Friday (September 17) has offered an alternate, cost-efficient proposal. According to NHA, the proposed interchange would cost PKR 550 million, in addition to a design change in the Sambrial-Kharian Motorway, further delying the project completion. The NHA has, instead, proposed a direct link road to the airport which was approved in a recent meeting on Wednesday (September 15). SIAL Chairman Khawaja Masood has said that the management is trying to get approval for such an extension from the government and has offered financial assistance to the government in this regard. He said that providing an interchange and direct link to the airport will uplift the local industry and will increase connectivity.
According to the proposed map of the M-11, the airport is situated a mere 500 metres away from the motorway. Two separate ramps have been built on both sides of the motorway near the Airport for connectivity. Chairman Masood further stated that Chief Minister (CM) Usman Buzdar has already approved the re-carpeting of the Sialkot and Sambrial roundabouts, as well as the 6.5 kilometres long road (from Sambrial dry port to Sialkot Airport) at a total cost of PKR 300 million.
Nauman Ahmad is an imaginative Pisces whose love for literature and nature is unparalleled. When he's not reading or hiking, he's sleeping and eating, which gives him plenty of energy for his next adventure.
