Pakistan motorway network is undergoing a major transformation as the government pushes forward with AI-driven enforcement, barrier-free tolling, and enhanced safety services. These reforms, announced and implemented in stages over the past two years, are expected to make travel faster, safer, and more transparent across the country’s highways.
AI Enforcement and Smart Monitoring
The move toward AI-based monitoring is one of the most significant changes.
- In May 2023, the Sukkur–Multan Motorway (M-5) became the first in Pakistan to adopt a fully Automated Transport System (ATS). Equipped with 269 high-resolution cameras and 77 speed-check devices, the system continuously tracks overspeeding, lane violations, and overloading. The data feeds into a central control hub, which issues alerts and displays safety messages to drivers.
- Building on this model, the government announced in August 2025 that AI enforcement will be rolled out on the M-1 (Peshawar–Islamabad) and M-2 (Islamabad–Lahore) motorways. Offenders will automatically receive SMS alerts for overspeeding and other violations.
Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan emphasized that outdated and risky practices—like traffic police physically stopping vehicles on highways—must be replaced with technology.
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Barrier-Free Motorways
Another major shift is the creation of barrier-free tolling corridors, designed to meet global digital standards.
- The government’s vision is to remove physical toll barriers altogether, allowing vehicles to pass seamlessly under digital tolling systems without slowing down.
- This system is already backed by the M-Tag electronic toll collection service, which became mandatory across most motorways in early 2025. Non-M-Tag users now pay a 50% surcharge.
- According to NHA, over 92% of drivers have adopted M-Tag, which ensures faster and more transparent toll collection.
Safety and Emergency Services
The reforms go beyond enforcement and tolling. In late 2024, Minister Khan directed the National Highway Authority to prepare a comprehensive safety and security plan. Proposed initiatives include:
- Helicopter emergency services for remote stretches of motorways.
- Ambulances and rescue centers modeled after Punjab’s Rescue 1122 service.
- Zero tolerance for axle-load violations, aimed at reducing accidents caused by overloaded trucks.
These steps aim to ensure that the motorways are not just efficient, but also safe and responsive in emergencies.
Motorway Expansion and Oversight
Pakistan motorway network currently spans around 2,567 km operational, with another 1,191 km under construction. While new projects such as the Lahore–Sahiwal–Bahawalnagar Motorway (M-17) and the long-delayed Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway (M-6) are moving forward, parliamentary committees have recently raised concerns over regional imbalances in motorway construction, urging the government to prioritize completion of ongoing projects.
What This Means for Drivers
For everyday travelers, these changes mean:
- Faster journeys thanks to barrier-free tolling.
- Smarter enforcement with AI cameras replacing manual policing.
- More accountability through digitized toll collection and transparent NHA operations.
- Safer travel with better emergency response systems.
Final Word
Pakistan motorway transformation represents a leap toward smart infrastructure. With AI surveillance, digital tolling, and new safety measures, the government hopes to align the network with international best practices. While challenges remain in funding and balancing regional projects, the future of motorway travel in Pakistan looks faster, safer, and more efficient than ever.
