By Jawad Ahmed ISLAMABAD, Mar 14 (INP-WealthPK): The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has cleared the improvement and widening of Chitral-Booni-Mastuj-Shandur Road, which is part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). [caption id="attachment_64779" align="aligncenter" width="696"] National Highway Authority[/caption] During a meeting chaired by Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Dr Jahanzeb Khan, Chairman of the National Highway Authority (NHA) Muhammad Khurram Agha stated that the improvement and widening project of Chitral-Booni-Mastuj-Shandur Road will be executed in four packages. The NHA chairman said at the meeting that the road in Chitral Town would be upgraded and widened in the first package, and the 38km long route from Booni would be restored in the second phase. He added that in the third phase, an eight-kilometer road from Booni to Shaidas would be improved, and that a 114-kilometer route from Shaidas to Shandur would be upgraded in the final phase. In the fiscal budget 2021-22, the government has allocated Rs12.925 billion for 15 new NHA (National Highway Authority) schemes, including Rs2 billion for the restoration and extension of the Chitral-Booni-Mastuj-Shandur Road. The road is damaged in several reaches due to flooding and earthquakes, making light and heavy vehicle travel impossible. The worsening situation of this road increased travel time, and accidents had become the order of the day. According to official documents obtained by WealthPK from the NHA, the scheme was reflected in the Public Sector Development Program PSDP 2020-21 with an allocation amounting to Rs350 million. The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved Rs16.755 billion PC-1 for upgrade and widening of the road on March 7, 2018. The documents show that the 157-kilometer Chitral-Booni-Mastuj-Shandur-Gilgit Road has been federalized as a National Highway N-140. This road, which connects Gilgit to Chitral through Shandur, has been approved as a CPEC alternative route. The government is working on fast-tracking the implementation of CPEC projects. Restoration and extension of the Chitral-Booni-Mastuj-Shandur road is a project of key priority to reap the benefits of the CPEC. Apart from the CPEC, additional possible benefits might be realized through timely competition of this project. The road's rehabilitation and improvement will increase the smooth flow of traffic on N-140 and cut road users' travel time. Furthermore, it will improve mobility options for locals and prevent traffic accidents. It would promote economic activity in the region by giving local residents convenient and easy access to the markets. Among the various tourist attractions in the country, Chitral is recognized as one of the most popular destinations. This initiative will also contribute to the growth of the tourism business in the region, which will improve people's living standards while reducing poverty. During the meeting, the NHA chairman also highlighted the importance of promoting tourism industry and facilitating the local commuters in the adjoining areas through improved road connectivity.