Reconstruction of Mahandri Bridge restores access to Kaghan Valley

BALAKOT: The Mahandri Bridge, destroyed by recent floods, has been successfully rebuilt, reopening the route to the Kaghan Valley.

The bridge has been rebuilt by the Pakistan Army and the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), restoring vital connectivity in the region.

This development marks the end of a 14-day closure of the Kaghan Valley Road, which is now accessible for travel to northern areas and Naran.

The bridge’s collapse had cut off the vital connection between Kaghan Valley and Balakot, leading to significant disruptions. The newly reconstructed bridge was inaugurated by Member of National Assembly Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Captain Safdar, and other officials.

The road closure had severe economic impacts, causing substantial losses to the local hotel industry.

The monsoon rains had wreaked havoc in the Kaghan Valley, resulting in fatalities, such as a mother and son who were killed in Manoor, and the destruction of 16 shops along the Manoor stream. Many tourists and residents were left stranded due to the bridge collapse.

Additionally, the floods caused extensive damage in Manoor Valley, affecting 12 small turbine bridges and several connecting roads. The trout fish farms in the region were also devastated, leading to millions of rupees in losses.

Is this right time to visit Kaghan?

If you were planning to visit Kaghan but were unable to due to the news about the bridge connecting Kaghan and Balakot Valley being damaged, you’ll be pleased to know that the construction work is now complete and the Mahandri Bridge is open for traffic.

For those unfamiliar, the main Mahandri Bridge was swept away by a flood in the Munawar Nullah, severing the connection between Kaghan Valley and Balakot. Although a temporary pedestrian crossing was set up, the situation has now improved with the completion of the bridge reconstruction.

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