ISLAMABAD, Sept 13 (ABC): The National Highway Authority (NHA) has proposed rehabilitation of 171 kilometres of key highways in Gilgit-Baltistan following recent flash floods, landslides and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) that damaged roads, bridges and other structures.
According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the proposed plan covers sections of the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad-Chilas (MNJC/N-15) and Karakoram Highway (KKH/N-35). It also includes protection works on the Jaglot-Skardu Road (S-1).
Under the plan, NHA proposes rehabilitation of a 54-kilometre section of the MNJC (N-15), from kilometre 186 to 240, through structural overlay.
The authority also plans to rehabilitate 117 kilometres of the KKH (N-35), from kilometre 350 to 467. In addition, the plan includes rigid pavement at Tattapani on the KKH.
Together, the proposed rehabilitation sections of N-15 and KKH cover 171 kilometres.
Protection works planned on Jaglot-Skardu Road
NHA has also proposed slide shelters on the Jaglot-Skardu Road. Meanwhile, the authority is processing routine maintenance contracts for the KKH and S-1 for financial year 2026-27.
The documents detail damage to the three road links caused by recent flash floods, landslides and GLOFs.
On the KKH, mudflow and landsliding affected the section between kilometre 426 and 427 at Gini. Maintenance teams have since cleared the slide under a routine maintenance contract.
The Jaglot-Skardu Road suffered damage to several bridges and other structures. Floodwaters completely washed away a bridge at kilometre 16+200, forcing authorities to divert traffic through an alternative route.
At kilometre 21+850, floodwaters scoured and damaged bridge abutments. Traffic is using one lane, while NHA is preparing the design for protection works at the site.
Another bridge at kilometre 25+250 suffered damage and overtopping. Authorities subsequently launched a Bailey bridge to maintain connectivity.
A structural expert has also inspected the affected site and collected the required data. NHA is preparing the design for permanent works.
Landslides hit several sections of N-15
The MNJC (N-15) also suffered mudflows, landslides and boulder falls at several locations.
Mudflow, landsliding and boulders affected the section between kilometre 216 and 217 near Lushi. Similar incidents occurred at kilometres 214, 217 and 222.
The section between kilometre 228 and 229 also suffered mudflow, landsliding and boulder falls. Maintenance teams have cleared the affected slides under routine arrangements.
The proposed programme combines structural rehabilitation with measures to improve protection against future damage. It includes rehabilitation of substantial sections of N-15 and KKH, rigid pavement at Tattapani and slide shelters on the Jaglot-Skardu Road.
NHA is also preparing permanent works for damaged structures where temporary arrangements currently maintain road connectivity.
