Key Takeaways
- Seven key roads in Gilgit-Baltistan to be rehabilitated and maintained by federal authorities.
- The move aims to improve connectivity and promote tourism in the mountainous region.
- The federal cabinet will consider the proposal after approval by the GB cabinet.
The federal government has identified seven roads spanning 464 kilometres across Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) for federalisation under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s tourism initiative. These roads will be constructed, widened, rehabilitated, and maintained by the National Highway Authority (NHA) to enhance connectivity and tourism in the region.
The seven roads include the 54km Astore-Chilim Chowki Road, 31km Deosai-Skardu Road, 100km Skardu-Khaplu Road, 17km Skardu (Thorgu)-Shigar Road, and the 36km Karakoram Highway-Naltar to Satrangi Lake Road. The remaining two routes, the 121km Thalichi-Astore-Rattu-Shounter Road and the 105km Gorikot-Shagarthang-Skardu Road, are currently under construction.
The proposal has been approved by the GB cabinet and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed. The federal cabinet will now consider the proposal, with the NHA taking responsibility for the development and long-term upkeep of the seven road links.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening road connectivity to some of the region’s major tourism destinations, improving access to remote communities, and facilitating travel across GB. The roads in GB are frequently blocked by landslides, mudflows, heavy rainfall, avalanches, flash floods, and glacial lake outburst floods (Glofs).
Under the plan, the federal government will provide funds for the project, previously borne by the GB government for maintenance, widening, and rehabilitation of the roads. It has also been proposed that a toll tax be introduced for tourists visiting the scenic region, with a blanket exemption for local residents. Revenue generated through the toll will be spent on improving the road network in GB.
People associated with the tourism sector, including hotel owners and transporters, have welcomed the initiative. Ikram Baig, president of the GB Association of Tour Operators, told Dawn that the initiative would help promote tourism. He stated, 'With the number of tourists to Gilgit-Baltistan multiplying each year, the federal minister proposed introducing a toll tax to fund road infrastructure development. However, locals should be exempt from this tax.'
With the number of tourists to Gilgit-Baltistan multiplying each year, the federal minister proposed introducing a toll tax to fund road infrastructure development. However, locals should be exempt from this tax.
Ikram Baig, President of the GB Association of Tour Operators
