Islamabad: The National Highway Authority (NHA) will invest over PKR 22 billion in two major road projects aimed at improving connectivity and driving socio-economic development in Gilgit-Baltistan. The projects include the 153-kilometre Chitral–Booni–Mastuj–Shandur (CBMS) Road and the 46-kilometre Chitral–Ayun–Bumburate (CAB) Road, with a combined cost of PKR 22.44 billion.
The CBMS Road, estimated at PKR 17.78 billion, will connect Chitral to Shandur and pass through key localities including Mori Payeen, Maroi, Pret, Barenis, Green Lasht, Reshun, Cherun, Jonali Cooch, Booni, Mastuj, Parwak, Laspur River, Onshit, Shaidas, Ghast, Raman, Harchin, Brook, Balim, and Surlaspur. The route is divided into four sections: Chitral–Pret (39 km), Pret–Booni (40 km), Booni–Shaidas (38 km), and Shaidas–Shandur (35 km). Construction work has already begun, and the project will link two major national highways, N-45 and N-35, while also serving as an alternative route during snowfall.
The CAB Road, costing PKR 4.65 billion, will connect Chitral to Ayun and Bumburate and is expected to improve access to Ayun Valley and the scenic Kalash Valley. Work has commenced on the first segment of the project.
NHA officials said the new roads will ease traffic congestion by distributing vehicle loads more efficiently, reduce travel time for traders and transporters, and lower the cost of moving agricultural products, gemstones, handicrafts, and other local goods to markets in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The projects are also expected to boost tourism in the Kalash and Upper Chitral valleys and encourage private investment in hospitality, transport, and small businesses. Socially, the roads will provide residents with safer, all-weather mobility, improving access to schools, hospitals, and government services, and strengthening emergency response capabilities during harsh winters or natural disasters.
According to estimates, over 350,000 people across the three valleys will benefit directly from smoother travel, better supply chains, and new job opportunities arising from construction activities and tourism expansion.
Samra Zulfiqar, a real estate analyst at Zameen.com, is passionate about finding projects that offer buyers the best returns. Her keen insights spotlight the market’s most promising opportunities.
