Gilgit: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan on Tuesday inaugurated the Tangir-Darel Expressway—an 82-kilometre, Rs10 billion infrastructure project aimed at connecting two of Gilgit-Baltistan’s most remote and flood-prone valleys. Funded under the federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), the expressway is expected to be completed by November 2027.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Tangir Valley, the chief minister hailed the project as a “historic breakthrough” for the people of Tangir and Darel, who have long faced isolation due to poor road access. “This project is not just about concrete and asphalt—it’s about restoring trust and delivering on long-standing promises,” he said.
The expressway comprises two segments—the Tangir and Darel Expressways—with a combined cost of Rs6.03 billion. Of the total funding, Rs5.09 billion has been earmarked specifically for construction. Although the official timeline begins in August 2025, work is already underway, with 23.65% of construction completed to date.
Launched against the backdrop of worsening road conditions across the region due to torrential rains and glacial floods, the expressway is expected to provide a vital alternate route during natural disasters. Recent weather events have rendered key routes like the Babusar Pass and sections of the Karakoram Highway impassable, severely disrupting travel, trade, and emergency response.
Officials say the expressway will help boost local economies, improve access to healthcare and education, and enhance market connectivity for agricultural produce.
In addition to the expressway, the chief minister announced several complementary development initiatives. These include the proposed Khambari and Buner Expressways, Rs5 billion for new water supply schemes, Rs350 million for an RCC bridge, Rs180 million for agricultural development, and Rs450 million for healthcare infrastructure.
On the education front, approval has been granted for 50 primary schools, a higher secondary school, and a degree college in the region. Under the Annual Development Programme (ADP), Tangir Valley alone is set to receive Rs7 billion this year.
CM Gulbar Khan also revealed that administrative reforms are underway, including the creation of four new districts to improve governance and service delivery in hard-to-reach areas.
Local elders, officials, and residents attended the ceremony and welcomed the expressway as a transformative step toward integrating the region with the rest of the country.
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