Safety concerns persist following removal of 9 tunnels to cut costs of project
167-Kilometer Mountain Highway Reduces Travel Time from 13 Hours to 3 Hours
GILGIT: The Frontier Works Organization (FWO) has announced the completion of the Jaglot-Skardu Road project, a strategic highway that significantly reduces travel time in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) from 13 hours to just 3 hours. The 167-kilometer mountain road connects key urban centers through previously challenging terrain.
The project, however, has drawn criticism from locals due to frequent accidents and loss of lives, attributed to alleged poor construction quality. The concerns are primarily linked to the deletion of at least nine tunnels initially included in the original project design. These tunnels were reportedly removed when the government retendered the project to cut costs, awarding it to FWO after a Chinese firm originally won the bid at PKR 52 billion. FWO completed the project at a reduced cost of PKR 31 billion.
According to a report by PTV on Sunday, the road now incorporates 28 bridges and 484 culverts, showcasing significant engineering expertise to navigate natural fault lines and mitigate seasonal mud floods. Despite these advancements, the National Highway Authority (NHA) has identified 11 critical points along the highway that require additional protective infrastructure, such as tunnels and shelters, to enhance safety.
Tragically, 20 personnel lost their lives during the construction and maintenance phases. FWO continues to maintain the highway at an annual cost of PKR 600 million. To improve accessibility, the completed road extends three kilometers beyond its original plan of 164 kilometers.
The highway is considered a landmark development for the region, enhancing connectivity and reducing travel times, though its absence of tunnels, particularly in landslide-prone areas, remains a point of contention. Locals argue that this omission has maintained the risk of travel and hindered the anticipated reduction in travel time.
Environmental challenges such as mud floods and geological hazards necessitate continuous maintenance and pose ongoing risks. Sources indicate that the government is considering a new project to construct tunnels along the route, addressing both safety and travel efficiency concerns raised by residents and tourists.
The Jaglot-Skardu Road project represents a significant milestone in northern Pakistan’s transportation infrastructure, promising enhanced regional development and accessibility. However, further measures, including the construction of tunnels, may be required to realize its full potential.
Skardu road is still incomplete after seven years and a failed project of FWO. Tunnels were not build despite the cost of project increased many times. Furthermore the travel time between Skardu and Gilgit was 05 hours which is reduced to 04 hours now.
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