M-2 motorway (Pakistan)

M-2 motorway
ایم ٢ موٹروے
Route information
Maintained by NHA
Length	367 km (228 mi)
Existed	1992–present
History	Completed in 1997
Major junctions
North end	Islamabad
Major intersections	M3
South end	Lahore
Location
Country	Pakistan
Major cities	Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Rawalpindi
Highway system
Roads in Pakistan

The M-2 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 M-2 crosses the junction of the M3 (to Faisalabad) at Pindi Bhattian. It is part of Pakistan's Motorway Network. Chaudhary Ghias Mela recently inaugurated the sial more interchange which exits at sial more and provides an alternate route to Sargodha.

One of the most expensive motorways in Asia, it has the highest pillared-bridge in Asia (at the Khewra Salt Range)

The most interesting fact is that it can be used by Pakistan Air Force to land or take off many Fighter Jets.

Route

The M-2 starts to the west of Lahore, at the Thokar Niaz Baig junction of N-5 (National Highway No. 5). Once it crosses the Ravi River, it diverges from the N-5 (also known as GT or Grand Trunk Road) and heads west towards Sheikhupura. After passing the Sheikhupura Interchange Khanqah Dogran Interchange comes at a distance of 36 km from the Sheikhupura Interchange. After once at Pindi Bhattian, it crosses the M3 junction and turns north-west. It continues all the way to Kallar Kahar, where it enters the Salt Ranges. Once past the Salt Ranges, the M-2 turns north and ends just west of Rawalpindi at the junction between the Islamabad Link Road and the M1. The whole stretch of the M-2 consists of 6 lanes, and there are a number of rest areas along the route, with washroom and eating facilities.

History

The M-2 was conceived by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in his first term(1990–1993) and later inaugurated on November 26, 1997, during his second term. In late 2006, upgrades were made to the portion of the M-2 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

M-2 Motorway
Westbound exits	Junction	Eastbound exits
	1	Lahore Link Road to Kala Shah Kaku and N-5
To Sheikhupura and Shahkot	2	To Gujranwala and N-5
M3 to Faisalabad	3	To Khanqah Dogran and N-5
To Kot Momin and Sargodha	4	To Phalla, Gujrat and N-5
To Salam and Bhalwal	5	To Rasul, Kharian and N-5
To Lilla and Khushab	6	To Pind Dadan, Jhelum and N-5
To Talagang and Khushab	7	To Kallar Kahar, Chakwal, Sohawa and N-5
To Balkassar	8	To Mandra and N-5Pakistan
To Pindi Gheb	9	To Chakri and N-5
Airport Link Road *	10	To Islamabad Link Road

*Note: Airport Link Road is currently under proposal

Gallery

• Kallar Kahar Service Area (Northern)
  Kallar Kahar Service Area (Northern)
• Motorway M2 near Kalar Kahar mountainous region
  Motorway M2 near Kalar Kahar mountainous region
• Motorway M2 near Kalar Kahar mountainous region. Cabins for emergency staff can be seen in background.
  Motorway M2 near Kalar Kahar mountainous region. Cabins for emergency staff can be seen in background.
• Motorway M2 at Lilla Interchange
  Motorway M2 at Lilla Interchange
• Motorway M2 near Salt Ranges of Khewra
  Motorway M2 near Salt Ranges of Khewra
• 
  Motorway M2 near Salt Ranges of Khewra
• Motorway M2 near Salt Ranges of Khewra
  Motorway M2 near Salt Ranges of Khewra
• Motorway M2 near Bhera
  Motorway M2 near Bhera
• 
  Motorway M2 near Bhera
• Motorway M2 near Bhera
  Motorway M2 near Bhera
• Ravi Toll Plaza, before Ravi River bridge, in Lahore
  Ravi Toll Plaza, before Ravi River bridge, in Lahore

File:Highest pillared bridge in asia M2 Pak.JPG

The highest pillared-bridge in Asia can be seen here

Fuel Stations

• Sukheki(CNG is also available here)
• Sial more
• Bhera(CNG is also available here)
• Kalar Kahar(CNG is also available here)
• Chakri(CNG is also available here)
• hafizabad

*Kot momin CNG also provide and freshment place for outsider.

See also

• Motorways of Pakistan
• National Highways of Pakistan
• National Highway Authority (Pakistan)
• National Highways and Motorway Police

External links

• Failed state? Try Pakistan’s M2 motorway DAWN.com