Kaghan road reopening kindles tourism hopes

BALAKOT:

After six months of closure due to heavy snowfall, landslides, and glacier collapse, the crucial Kaghan highway leading to the renowned tourist destination of Naran is finally undergoing restoration.

The National Highway Authority (NHA) has commenced efforts to reopen the route following the conclusion of the snow season.

Anticipated to be accessible by the first week of May, the restored road promises to not only reconnect tourists with the picturesque valley but also provide employment opportunities for thousands.

The closure of the Kaghan highway, stretching from Rajwal to Naran, occurred after a significant glacier incident obstructed the route.

With up to eight feet of snowfall in recent years, the valley faced accessibility challenges, impacting millions of annual tourists. However, with ongoing restoration efforts, officials assure that the glacier hindering the route will be cleared in the coming days.

Beyond serving as a lifeline for connecting Kaghan Valley with the centre, the Kaghan Highway also offers a safer and more convenient travel option for Gilgit-Baltistan travellers compared to the Karakoram Highway, reducing travel time by five hours.

Local business communities, especially those in the tourism sector, eagerly await the highway’s reopening, anticipating a resurgence in business activities and the revival of tourism hotspots like Lake Saiful Malook, Lake Lulusar, and Lalazar.

As the restoration progresses, hopes are high that the scenic beauty and economic vitality of the region will once again flourish, drawing in visitors and revitalising the local economy.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 27^th, 2024.