Key Takeaways
- A major landslide has blocked the Baltistan Road near Shangus in Skardu’s Roundu Valley.
- Travelers, including tourists, are stranded on both sides of the road.
- The road is expected to remain closed until at least Friday.
A massive landslide has blocked the Baltistan Road near Shangus in Skardu’s Roundu Valley, stranding thousands of travelers, including tourists, on both sides of the road.
According to the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), the road has been completely closed to traffic as debris continues to slide onto the route.
Large boulders could not be removed using machinery, prompting the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) to mobilize a blasting team to clear the road.
The GBDMA warned travelers against attempting to cross the affected section due to the risk of further landslides and advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel.
The 167-kilometer Juglot-Skardu Road, now known as Baltistan Road, runs along the Indus River and serves as a vital link for residents of Skardu, Kharmang, Shigar, and Ghanche districts.
Despite its importance, the route remains one of the region’s most dangerous mountain roads, with frequent landslides and numerous fatal accidents raising concerns about traveler safety.
Local residents have repeatedly criticized the lack of safety measures, including roadside barriers, warning signs, proper safety instructions, and reliable telecommunications facilities at checkpoints.
They have also alleged that the original project design was not implemented during reconstruction, leaving several sections with sharp turns and a high risk of landslides.
Residents have expressed frustration over the continued failure to address these hazards despite repeated incidents along the route.
