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ISLAMABAD, Jul 24 (APP):Due to recent rains and landslides in Gilgit-Baltistan, which has blocked several roads there, the National Highway Authority (NHA) teams conducting round-the-clock relief and road clearance operations for the past three days, which resulted in the clearance of significant number of rain- and landslide-affected areas.
On Thursday, despite inclement weather, NHA personnel continued their relief efforts and successfully cleared and opened the road leading to Chilas.
The NHA team also cleared the road at KM 161 in Jalkhad, previously blocked by a landslide, and restored traffic flow. On the same day, the team temporarily reconstructed the Looshi Bridge, which had been washed away due to heavy rains and landslides, and reopened it to traffic, ensuring continued movement on the route.
On Wednesday, the road at Tatta Pani earlier affected by a landslide was cleared again. This section had previously been reopened by NHA teams two days prior but was blocked once more by another landslide.
The road from Looshi Bridge to Naran has also been cleared. Chilas main market road was reopened as well. The route from Lothiyan to Looshi Bridge was now available for vehicles. NHA has begun efforts to restore traffic at the Looshi Bridge site as materials for temporary restoration already arriving. Restoration is being carried out in the minimum possible time.
The Babusar market and the road from Babusar Top to Chilas have been cleared. Yesterday, NHA teams also cleared the Jaglot–Skardu Road.
On Tuesday, various sections of the Karakoram Highway were reopened to traffic, which included the highway near Chilas Bazaar and Chilas Zero Point, the section at Passu has been opened for one-way traffic, Near Tatta Pani and Jalkhad, the highway was also cleared and reopened for limited traffic.
The stretch of the Karakoram Highway from Jalipur to Gundalow was cleared of landslides on Tuesday and has been opened to two-way traffic. All affected areas in Thalichi and Chilas have also been cleared, and one-way traffic has resumed. Near Besal, the N-15 road has been reopened after clearing landslides. The Jaglot–Skardu Road has also been fully reopened to two-way traffic.
Heavy machinery and manpower are being used for all road clearance operations. The NHA’s operations will continue until all blocked roads are fully reopened. Activities are being closely monitored from the control room set up at NHA Headquarters. The NHA Chairman is personally overseeing all operations.