Gujranwala to Gomal Zam Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 Gujranwala to Gomal Zam: Travel Options

Gomal Zam, located in the Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is known for the Gomal Zam Dam, a major irrigation and water storage project. Reaching Gomal Zam from Gujranwala involves a combination of road, rail, and air travel options. Below, we explore these different travel routes, including the distance, routes, travel duration, and practical considerations.

By Road:

The road distance from Gujranwala to Gomal Zam is approximately 1,050 kilometers (652 miles). Road travel is the most straightforward and commonly used option for this route. However, it is important to note that the journey is long and involves traveling through several major cities and rural areas.

• Route: The most direct route involves taking the GT Road (N-5) from Gujranwala southward to Lahore, and then heading towards Multan. From Multan, continue south to Dera Ghazi Khan, and finally take the route toward Dera Ismail Khan. From Dera Ismail Khan, the route continues southwest to Gomal Zam. The roads are generally in good condition, but parts of the journey through rural areas may have some rough patches.
• Travel Duration: The total travel time by road is approximately 18 to 20 hours. The duration may vary depending on traffic, road conditions, and the number of stops made along the way. The long journey also offers an opportunity to explore various towns and scenic areas along the route.

By Train:

There is no direct train service from Gujranwala to Gomal Zam. However, you can take a train to Dera Ismail Khan and then continue by road to Gomal Zam.

• Route: From Gujranwala, you can board a train to Dera Ismail Khan, which usually takes around 15 to 17 hours. Once in Dera Ismail Khan, you will need to travel by road for approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) to reach Gomal Zam, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Travel Duration: The total travel time by train and road is approximately 17 to 19 hours, depending on train schedules and road conditions. This option offers a comfortable train journey but requires a final leg of road travel to reach Gomal Zam.

By Air:

Gomal Zam does not have a commercial airport, but you can fly to Dera Ismail Khan and then complete the journey by road.

• Route: You would take a flight from Gujranwala to Dera Ismail Khan, with a layover in Islamabad, as direct flights are not available. The total flight time is about 2 to 3 hours, including the layover. Once you arrive in Dera Ismail Khan, you would need to drive approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) to Gomal Zam, a journey that takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Travel Duration: The total time for air travel and road travel is around 4 to 5 hours. This is the fastest way to reach Gomal Zam, but flight availability and costs may make it a less accessible option for some travelers.

Conclusion:

For most travelers, road travel remains the most practical and economical option for reaching Gomal Zam from Gujranwala. The journey by road takes approximately 18 to 20 hours, passing through major cities like Lahore, Multan, and Dera Ghazi Khan. Train travel, though more comfortable, involves a detour and a long trip, making it less efficient. Air travel offers the fastest route at around 4 to 5 hours, but it requires a flight to Dera Ismail Khan and is typically more expensive. Depending on your preferences for speed, cost, and comfort, road travel is the most viable choice for most travelers to Gomal Zam.