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ISLAMABAD, Jan 08 (APP):The National Highway Authority (NHA) will widen and improve the 130.24km Chakdara–Chitral section of N-45 soon after approval of PC-I.
According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, three sections of Chakdara–Chitral route –38.85km Chakdara-Timergara, 43.39km Akhagram-Dir, and 48km Kalkatak-Chitral – would be widened and improved.
Most of the project’s codal formalities have been completed, and the remaining requirements will be finalized soon.
The purpose of the project is to upgrade the north-south transport corridor in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The 312km-N-45, connecting Chitral in the north with Nowshera in the south through Dir and Chakdara, plays a crucial role in regional connectivity and economic activity. It also links the remote northern districts with the rest of the country.
According to the documents, the feasibility study of Section-I (Chakdara to Timergara) has been completed. Moreover, procurement of consultancy services has also been completed.
“Currently, the consultant is carrying out field surveys and investigations. The project is in the phase of detailed design, and PC-I is under preparation. Procurement of civil works will be initiated after completion of detailed design and PC-I,” reads the document.
The feasibility study for 43.39km Section-II (Akhagram to Dir) has also been completed, while the procurement of consultancy services for the preparation of detailed design and formulation of PC-I is in progress.
The feasibility study for 48km Section-III (Kalkatak to Chitral) has also been completed. However, the relevant consultant has submitted a revised PC-I, which is being reviewed by the NHA.
The NHA initiated the procurement of civil works, but the process was annulled due to the high bid price quoted by the bidder. The project is in the re-bidding phase.
Talking to Wealth Pakistan, NHA Spokesperson Mazhar Hussain said the project was expected to significantly improve travel safety, reduce journey time, and enhance year-round accessibility to the mountainous region of Chitral, which often remains cut off during harsh weather conditions.
Once completed, the upgraded highway will facilitate movement of goods, boost tourism, and lower the transportation costs for the local communities.
“A modernized road infrastructure will support cross-regional trade and strengthen socio-economic development in Malakand and Upper Dir districts,” Mazhar said.
He added that the project will also generate employment opportunities during the construction phase and provide long-term economic benefits by integrating remote areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa more effectively with national markets and services.