Gilgit-Baltistan seeks early reopening of Babusar-Naran road for traffic

GILGIT: On the directions of Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan, his secretary, Usman Ahmed, has penned a letter to the National Highway Authority Chairman requesting the early opening of Babusar-Naran road for traffic.

The letter explicitly requested the swift reopening of the Babusar-Naran road for traffic, emphasizing the critical need for this route as the sole connection between the region and the rest of the country, in light of current disruptions on the Karakoram Highway.

The letter mentioned that “Gilgit-Baltistan is one of the most visited tourist destinations, attracting thousands of visitors from across the globe with its overwhelming beauty, rich cultural heritage and exciting adventure sport.”

Currently, he said, the construction of two mega projects along the Karakoram Highway (KKH) – Dassu Dam and Diamer Basha Dam – is causing severe disruptions and inconvenience for tourists, visitors and the local populace of Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly during emergencies and for patients requiring travel to the down country.

“Taking foregoing into consideration, I have been asked by the Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan to request National Highway Authority (NHA) to take immediate steps for re-opening Babusar Naran Road as early as possible, by removing landslides, snow and avalanches,” the letter reads. The letter added that the opening of the road was vital to facilitate the general public of Gilgit-Baltistan and ensure ease of access for tourists intending to visit Gilgit-Baltistan.

Babusar Top is a high mountain pass at 4,173 meters above sea level, popular with both locals and foreigners. The highway remains closed for traffic from October to June every year due to heavy snowfall and landslides. In the past, several tourists lost their lives after being stuck at the pass due to landslides.

Adding to its significance, the journey from Diamer to Mansehra via Babusar Pass is preferred by tourists for its shorter duration and scenic beauty, contrasting with the longer route through the Karakoram Highway. Tourists also prefer to travel on this highway to enjoy lush green valleys, lakes, landscapes and snow-capped mountains