GILGIT: The federal government has proposed taking responsibility for seven major road links covering approximately 464 kilometers in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) as part of efforts to improve regional connectivity and support tourism.
The proposal is linked to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s tourism initiative and would transfer responsibility for the selected routes to the federal government for construction, widening, rehabilitation and long-term maintenance.
Seven Road Links Identified
The proposed network includes several important routes across the region:
- Astore–Chilim Chowki Road: 54 kilometers
- Deosai–Skardu Road: 31 kilometers
- Skardu–Khaplu Road: 100 kilometers
- Skardu (Thorgu)–Shigar Road: 17 kilometers
- Karakoram Highway–Naltar to Satrangi Lake Road: 36 kilometers
- Thalichi–Astore–Rattu–Shounter Road: 121 kilometers
- Gorikot–Shagarthang–Skardu Road: 105 kilometers
The last two routes are already under construction, while the proposed federalization would bring all seven links under a unified federal framework for future development and maintenance.
Federal Cabinet Approval Still Required
The Gilgit-Baltistan cabinet has approved the proposal, while the federal and GB governments have also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) regarding the arrangement.
However, the plan still requires approval from the federal cabinet. If approved, the National Highway Authority (NHA) would assume responsibility for development and maintenance of the identified roads.
Under the proposed arrangement, the federal government would provide funding for the required works. At present, the GB government bears the costs associated with maintenance, widening and rehabilitation of these routes.
Tourist Toll Also Under Consideration
Authorities are also considering a toll charge for tourists entering Gilgit-Baltistan, while local residents would be exempt under the proposal.
According to an NHA official, revenue generated through the proposed toll could potentially be used to support improvements to the region’s road infrastructure.
For Gilgit-Baltistan, better-maintained road links could improve access to major tourist destinations and communities. However, the scale and timing of the upgrades will depend on federal cabinet approval, funding arrangements and the implementation framework agreed between the federal and GB governments.
