Ease of travel : Lowari Tunnel to open twice a week

Residents warned about possible challenges for the next few months

PESHAWAR: The National Highway Authority has decided to keep Lowari Tunnel open for traffic twice a week, stated a press release issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority on Monday.

According to the release, Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement department Secretary Tariq Rashid requested during a meeting on Friday that the tunnel be open so that food supplies are transported as the process was hindered after floods in Chitral.

“The tunnel will remain open for traffic on Tuesdays and Fridays,” the document quoted Rashid as saying.

During the session, the secretary drew attention to the nature of work involved in the tunnel project and warned residents about possible challenges they might face over the next couple of months.

“NHA will start lining of the tunnel,” read the statement. “As a result, traffic will not be able to pass through the tunnel from Dir to Chitral during the upcoming winter. Consequently, locals might face food and fuel shortages over the coming months.”

According to the press release, work on the project will be completed by December 2016. Once the project is in its final stages, the tunnel will be accessible to everyone.

“After the completion of the project, people will also be able to use the link roads on both sides of the tunnel,” he added.

Delays in the construction on Lowari Tunnel have resulted in widespread problems for residents.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 25^th, 2015.