Flood-hit Gilgit-Shandur Road reopened for traffic

News Desk

Islamabad: After days of disruption caused by heavy flooding, the National Highway Authority (NHA) has reopened the Gilgit-Shandur Road for all types of traffic, restoring a vital route in the region through emergency repair work.

The NHA said an alternate route was constructed at KM 98 in Yangal, Ghizer District, allowing vehicles to resume movement while restoration efforts continue on other flood-affected sections.

The reopening comes as authorities remain on alert amid continued risks from heavy water flows and further damage to road infrastructure in the area.

An NHA spokesperson said the authority’s chairman has directed field teams to maintain close coordination with district administrations, monitor vulnerable locations, provide regular updates to headquarters, and ensure uninterrupted traffic movement for commuters.

Meanwhile, repair operations are underway at several damaged points along the route. Clearance work has been completed at RD 16 Knat Bridge (Abutment 1), while debris removal from RD 25 Bridge has also been carried out.

The NHA said stone dumping and backfilling work is currently in progress at Ansar Camp on the RD 16 Bridge to strengthen the damaged structure. At JSR Sassi Bridge in Hanochal (RD 25), water flow has been diverted to one side, allowing excavation work upstream to begin.

Officials said strong water currents are slowing the movement and deployment of heavy machinery at some locations. However, as water levels decrease, equipment will be shifted from RD 25 Bridge towards RD 16 (Abutment 2) to accelerate restoration work.

The NHA has assured that field teams will remain deployed until all flood-related damages are fully addressed and safe connectivity is restored along the important Gilgit-Shandur corridor.