The Guru Nanak Expressway has moved closer to bidding, but no contractor has been picked yet. On 8 October 2026, Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan told the NHA to proceed with international tendering. Pakistan also plans to invite Sikh communities in the UK, Canada and the US to invest.
What is the Guru Nanak Expressway?
The Guru Nanak Expressway is a planned motorway linking Kartarpur and Nankana Sahib to Pakistan’s motorway network.
The government announced the plan on 29 January 2026. It first described the route as the Sialkot-Kartarpur Motorway, which would carry the Guru Nanak Expressway name.
Officials said the project would help nearby towns such as Narang Mandi and Badu Malhi. The plan also lists hotels, rest areas and shopping malls along the route.
Where will the Guru Nanak Expressway run?
The expressway is planned to run from Sialkot to Kartarpur, with a wider link toward Nankana Sahib.
Officials have not published a final alignment, length or interchange list. Treat any online map or distance figure as a guess until the NHA releases one.
Kartarpur lies in Narowal district, close to the border. Nankana Sahib lies west of Lahore. Both places already draw pilgrims, so road access matters to families planning visits.
Guru Nanak Expressway project status at a glance
Here is where things stand as of 10 October 2026.
| Question | What reports confirm |
|---|---|
| International tendering ordered? | Yes. The NHA decided to proceed on 8 October 2026. |
| Contract awarded? | No award has been reported. |
| Construction started? | No confirmed start has been reported. |
| Overseas investment sought? | Yes. Sikh communities in the UK, Canada and the US are invited. |
| Design standard? | The minister said international standards will apply. |
| Final cost announced? | No. |
| Opening date announced? | No. |
Last updated: 10 October 2026. We’ll refresh this post when the NHA publishes tender documents.
Guru Nanak Expressway timeline
- 29 January 2026: The government announced the Sialkot-Kartarpur Motorway under the Guru Nanak Expressway name.
- 8 October 2026: The NHA decided to proceed with international tendering.
- Next step: A public tender notice. No date has been announced.
What does international tendering mean?
International tendering means the NHA invites bids from firms around the world.
It is an early step. A tender decision shows intent. Financing, contractor choice, and construction come later.
The usual order looks like this:
- The NHA publishes tender documents.
- Firms submit their bids.
- The NHA evaluates the bids.
- The NHA awards a contract if the process succeeds.
- Financing and construction planning follow.
I think the timeline will depend on how fast investors commit. That’s a guess, so watch for official notices.
Why does the expressway matter for Sikh pilgrims?
Better roads could make Sikh religious tourism in Pakistan easier for pilgrims and local travellers.
Kartarpur is where Guru Nanak spent his last years. Nankana Sahib is his birthplace. A direct motorway link could shorten road trips between the two, though no travel-time figures exist yet.
Local traders in Narang Mandi and Badu Malhi could see more visitors too. That outcome depends on the final route and facilities.
How is it different from the Kartarpur Corridor?
The Kartarpur Corridor opened in November 2019 as a border crossing for pilgrims from India. The expressway is a separate domestic motorway plan. Each project has its own purpose and its own timeline.
What about the Sikh diaspora investment plan?
The minister invited Sikh communities in the UK, Canada and the US to invest in the project.
In January, the NHA also planned marketing campaigns in London, Canada and the USA. It mentioned international roadshows too. No committed amounts have been reported. Returns, investor protections and risk sharing remain unannounced.
What is still unknown about the Guru Nanak Expressway?
Several details are missing from public reports.
- Final route and engineering design
- Project cost and financing model
- Tender publication date and bid conditions
- Contractor or consortium selection
- Construction start and completion dates
- Confirmed investment amounts
- Interchange and tourism facility locations
The same NHA meeting ordered a feasibility study for the 123-kilometre Mansehra-Naran highway. That is a separate project.
How can you avoid scams around the expressway news?
Big road announcements attract fake sellers and fake investment pitches.
Watch for plots advertised as “near the Guru Nanak Expressway”. No final route exists yet, so no one can promise frontage or price gains. Read our guide to spotting fake property ads in Pakistan before you pay any token money.
Anyone asking for “expressway investment” money in a private chat does not speak for the NHA. Check official government announcements first.
How can you follow updates and prepare for a road trip?
Start with official sources. The NHA and the Press Information Department publish confirmed decisions.
Read headlines carefully:
- “Tender invited” means bidding has opened.
- “Contract awarded” means a firm has been chosen.
- “Groundbreaking” means work has actually started.
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The Guru Nanak Expressway story will keep changing as the NHA shares tender details. Have a car, phone, or gadget you no longer need? List it on DealDone Pakistan and turn it into cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest update on the Guru Nanak Expressway?
On 8 October 2026, the NHA decided to proceed with international tendering on the minister’s instructions. The government also plans to invite Sikh communities in the UK, Canada, and the US to invest.
Has the Guru Nanak Expressway tender been awarded?
No. No contract award has been reported. The next step is publication of tender documents.
Where will the Guru Nanak Expressway run?
It is planned to run from Sialkot to Kartarpur, with a wider link toward Nankana Sahib. The NHA hasn’t published a final alignment.
How much will the Guru Nanak Expressway cost?
No official cost has been announced. Ignore any figure that lacks an official source.
Who can invest in the Guru Nanak Expressway?
The minister invited Sikh communities in the UK, Canada, and the US. Terms haven’t been published. Verify any offer through official channels, and read our online safety tips for classifieds to spot scams.
Is the Mansehra-Naran highway part of the Guru Nanak Expressway?
No. The 123-kilometre Mansehra-Naran highway is a separate proposal. The NHA must prepare a feasibility study for it.
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