The newly opened M-1 Motorway (end of M-2 to Burhan on the G.T. Road) is hardly used because I think the road users are not aware about it's utility. The distance from Islamabad Interchange(on the G.T. Road) to the Burhan Interchange via the M-1 is 43 kms. If one uses the G.T. Road it is 40 kms. However, it takes less time to travel this distance on the M-1.
The reason being that on the M-1 there is no Tarnol Railway Crossing to cross, no Taxila and Wah cities to pass through, no tractor trollies, buses or rickshaws to watch out for, no 70 kph speed limits. On the M-1 you can drive at upto 120 kms, on a three lane carriageway. In the time it takes to reach Hasan Abdal by using the G.T. Road, one is well past Kamra in the same time if one uses the M-1. The toll tax is only Rs20. In terms of fuel consumption using the M-1 is more cost effective. And there is less wear and tear on the vehicle.
NHA should advertise this fact. If some of the G.T. Road traffic is diverted to the M-1, it would lighten the load on the G.T. Road, reduce road rage and accidents.