Kalar Kahar Bridge - M2
One of the highest pillared-bridges in Asia at Khewra Range is part of the motorway (M-2) that connect Islamabad with Lahore.
Completed in 1999, the six-lane Lahore to Islamabad Motorway (M-2), was the first highway of its kind in Pakistan. By ensuring safe, reliable movement of people and goods, the M2 contributes hugely to the economic development of Pakistan.
This project set the bench mark for its quality of work and it has been used as a point of reference for motorways designed and constructed ever since.
It was the first time that Civil3D Software and simulations were used for design on a highway project in Pakistan.
The Incremental Launching Method (ILM) was also applied for the first time in the country to build three bridges spanning 500 m to 1000+ m, which included Kalar Kahar Bridge.
The M-2 created fast-link, open access between Lahore and Islamabad, and is also a major part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The quality of workmanship is so high that occasionally this road is used as a runway by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
The PAF has used the M2 motorway as a runway on three occasions: first time in 2000 when it landed an F-7P fighter, a Super Mushak trainer and a C-130 and, again, in 2010.
On 2 April 2010, the PAF used a runway section to land, refuel and take-off two jet fighters, a Mirage III and an F-7P, during its Highmark 2010 exercise, the PAF used runway section again in 2017 to practice in hour of the emergency.
The most challenging phase of the project was building the motorway through the Salt Range, a hill system in the Punjab that derives its name from its extensive deposits of rock salt.
With hanging cliffs of more than 40 m and unstable strata like shale and lime stones, the contractors faced very serious landslides and land movement issues during blasting and rainy seasons.