M-3 motorway (Pakistan)
The M-3 is a north–south motorway in Punjab, Pakistan, connecting the [M-2 Motorways of Pakistan|motorway (Pakistan)|Lahore end of the M-2] to M-4 near Abdul Hakeem.
The M-3 motorway is a parallel motorway of M-4 and takes the eastern route from Lahore to Abdul Hakeem city, while the M-4 motorway connects M-2 to the same Abdul Hakeem city.
The distance between Lahore to Multan via N5 is 323 km, according to the official website of National Highway Authority.
Inauguration
The M-3 motorway was inaugurated on 31 March 2019. The M-3 motorway merges with M-4 at Abdul Hakeem. The M-3 motorway first was from Pindi Bhattian to Faisalabad, until the completion of M-4 occurred and M-3 was rerouted from Abdul Hakeem to Lahore. The Pindi Bhattian to Faisalabad segment became M-4.Route
The M-3 starts at the M-2 Motorway almost instantly after crossing the famous Ravi Toll Plaza in Lahore. It then goes southwest from Lahore and ends where it meets the M-4 motorway near the city of Abdul Hakim located near a small village named Darkhana.M-3 Motorway is a 6 lane controlled access highway with 3 rest areas along the route. The entire length of the Lahore–Abdul Hakeem section of M-3 was inaugurated on 30 March 2019 and was opened to traffic on 1 April 2019 on the full route from Lahore to Abdul Hakeem.
River Ravi
The route of M-3 Motorway runs almost parallel to River Ravi although the river might not be seen easily anywhere along this motorway.Railway Line Bridges
M-3 Motorway has 3 Railway Line Bridges as follows:1) After crossing Darkhana Toll Plaza i.e. start of M-3 Motorway
2) Before Pirmahal Interchange
3) Before Tandlianwala Service Area
Lahore to Multan Motorway (M-3 + M-4 Motorway)
The distance between Lahore to Multan is calculated to facilitate travelers as South end of M-3 Motorway doesn't provide exits/ entry to any District or Divisional Headquarter directly. For that purpose it merges with M-4 Motorway and the first Divisional Headquarter nearest to South end is Multan.Lahore to Abdul Hakeem section = 230 km
Multan-Abdul Hakeem section = 103 km
Total Distance, Lahore to Multan, on M-3 + M-4 = 333 km.
The stretch of M-4 Motorway from Abdul Hakeem to Multan is built up with 4 lanes.
This is more than the previous distance of 323 km on National Highway N5, but the average driving speed was significantly less there. The speed allowed on this motorway is 120 km/h for L.T.V. & 110 km/h for H.T.V. So the time taken for traveling is significantly reduced as compared to N-5.
Exits/Entry for Multan City
M-4 motorway's passes through the South of Multan city and there are 4 interchanges for Multan city:1. Shamkot Interchange : Khanewal, E-5 Expressway; Multan city & DHA Multan. WARNING: Commuters who intend to visit Multan should take the next exit.
2. Shah Rukn-e-Alam/ Makhdoom Rasheed Interchange : Vehari; Multan City Lari Adda.
3. Shah Shams Tabrez Interchange : Bahawalpur & Lodhran; BCG Chowk Multan, MIKD, Multan.
4. Sher Shah Interchange : continues as M-5 Motorway & giving exits to Shujabaad; Multan Cantt; Muzaffargarh, D.G. Khan, Sakhi Sarwar, Rakhi Gaj, Fort Munro, Loralai, Qila Saif-ullah & Quetta.
M-3/M-4 Junction
At Abdul Hakeem M3 Motorway joins with the somewhat parallel M4 Motorway in a "Y" junction form. Analyzing "Y" when heading North from Multan, the base/ long arm of "Y" represents Motorway coming from Multan, while the left arm of "Y" represents Motorway going towards Faisalabad, Pindi Bhattian & subsequently M4 Motorway merging with M2 Motorway for way up to Islamabad & Peshawar. The right arm of "Y" shows the Motorway going towards Lahore.Junctions and interchanges
Service Areas
1. Near Nankana Sahib interchange2. Samundari interchange Chak 441gb
3. Phlore Near Rajana Interchange
4. Tandlianwala Service Area Near Chak No 363 G, B
Rest Area
1. Samundari interchange2. Rajana interchange
3. Pir Mahal interchange
4. Darkhana road near Abdulhakim interchange near chak 17gb kake shah