The National Highway Authority (NHA) has targeted 171 kilometres of highways in Gilgit-Baltistan for post-flood repairs after recent flash floods, landslides and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) damaged key road links, bridges and other structures.
NHA targets 171km of GB highways for post-flood repairs
ISLAMABAD, Sep 14 (APP):The National Highway Authority (NHA) has targeted 171 kilometres of highways in Gilgit-Baltistan for post-flood repairs after recent flash floods, landslides and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) damaged key road links, bridges and other structures.
The major repair and rehabilitation works planned on the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad-Chilas (N-15) and Karakoram Highway (N-35) and protection measures proposed for the Jaglot-Skardu Road (S-1).
According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the proposed works include repairs to a 54km section of the N-15 from kilometre 186 to 240 through structural overlay and a 117km stretch of the KKH from kilometre 350 to 467. The plan also includes rigid pavement at Tattapani on the KKH.
Together, the two highway sections account for 171km of the proposed repair programme, while the NHA has also proposed slide shelters along the Jaglot-Skardu Road to protect the route from recurring landslides and other hazards.
Routine maintenance contracts for the KKH and S-1 for the 2026-27 financial year are also under process.
The documents detail damage caused to the three road links by recent flash floods, landslides and GLOFs.
On the KKH, mudflow and landsliding occurred between kilometre 426 and 427 at Gini. The slide has since been cleared under a routine maintenance contract.
The Jaglot-Skardu Road suffered damage to several bridges and structures. A bridge at kilometre 16+200 was completely washed away, forcing traffic to be diverted through an alternative route.
At kilometre 21+850, bridge abutments were scoured and damaged, with traffic restricted to one lane. The design for protection works at the location is under process.
Another bridge at kilometre 25+250 was damaged and overtopped, prompting the launch of a Bailey bridge to maintain connectivity.
A structural expert visited the affected site and collected the required data, while the design for permanent works is under preparation.
The N-15 also suffered mudflows, landslides and boulder falls at several locations.
Mudflow, landsliding and boulders were reported between kilometre 216 and 217 near Lushi, while similar incidents occurred at kilometres 214, 217 and 222.
The section between kilometre 228 and 229 was also affected by mudflow, landsliding and boulders.
The affected slides on the N-15 have been cleared under routine maintenance arrangements.
The proposed programme now covers major rehabilitation to damaged sections of the N-15 and KKH, rigid pavement at Tattapani, slide shelters along the Jaglot-Skardu Road and permanent works for damaged bridges and other structures once the designs are finalised.
The measures are aimed at restoring road connectivity and strengthening key transport links in Gilgit-Baltistan against damage from floods, landslides and other extreme weather events.
