By Abdul Ghani

The government has identified seven roads spanning a combined 464 kilometres across Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) for federalisation under the prime minister’s tourism initiative, according to an official document available with Wealth Pakistan.

The proposed federalisation covers strategically important road links connecting major tourist destinations and remote areas. The initiative envisages the construction, widening, rehabilitation and long-term maintenance of the identified roads.

The identified routes include the 54-kilometre Astore–Chilim Chowki Road, the 31-kilometre Deosai–Skardu Road, the 100-kilometre Skardu–Khaplu Road, the 17-kilometre Skardu (Thorgu)–Shigar Road and the 36-kilometre KKH-Naltar to Satrangi Lake Road.

The remaining two routes are the 121-kilometre Thalichi–Astore–Rattu–Shounter Road and the 105-kilometre Gorikot–Shagarthang–Skardu Road, both of which are currently under construction.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Cabinet has already approved the proposal for federalisation, while an MoU has been shared with the National Highway Authority (NHA), and its response is awaited.

The proposed move aims to strengthen road connectivity across Gilgit-Baltistan and improve access to major tourism destinations, including Astore, Deosai, Skardu, Shigar, Khaplu and Naltar.

Federalisation of the routes is also expected to provide a stronger framework for the development, rehabilitation and long-term maintenance of strategically important roads in the mountainous region.

The initiative is part of broader government efforts to improve tourism-related infrastructure and connectivity in Gilgit-Baltistan, where challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions make road development and maintenance particularly difficult.

With the seven proposed routes, the plan could significantly enhance connectivity between major tourist destinations and remote communities across the region once the federalisation process is completed.

Credit: INP-WealthPk