By The Jaglot–Skardu Road has officially reopened for all types of traffic after remaining closed for several days due to severe flash flood damage near Sassi Haramosh. The reopening marks a significant milestone in restoring connectivity between Gilgit and Skardu, two of Gilgit-Baltistan’s most important cities.
The road was reopened following extensive emergency restoration work carried out by the National Highway Authority (NHA) and the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO). Their teams worked continuously to repair damaged infrastructure, clear debris, and ensure the route was safe for motorists.
Flash Floods Severed a Critical Transport Corridor
Recent flash floods caused widespread damage to infrastructure across northern Pakistan, with one of the hardest-hit sections located near Sassi Haramosh. The floods damaged a bridge and affected the roadway, forcing authorities to suspend traffic on the Jaglot–Skardu Road.
The closure disrupted travel for thousands of commuters, tourists, transport operators, and local residents while also interrupting the movement of food supplies, fuel, construction materials, and other essential goods.
Given the road’s strategic importance, restoring the route became an immediate priority for federal and regional authorities.
Emergency Restoration by NHA and FWO
The National Highway Authority and Frontier Works Organisation launched emergency operations soon after the flooding to restore the damaged section.
Restoration efforts included:
- Clearing landslides, mud, and flood debris.
- Repairing damaged road infrastructure.
- Restoring the affected bridge section near Sassi Haramosh.
- Deploying heavy machinery to speed up reconstruction.
- Conducting safety inspections before reopening the road.
Officials worked around the clock under difficult weather conditions to reopen the highway as quickly as possible while ensuring it was safe for public use.
Federal Minister Reviews Restoration Work
A day before the road reopened, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan visited the flood-damaged bridge near Sassi Haramosh Ansar Camp to personally assess the situation.
During the inspection, the minister instructed officials to accelerate repair work and deploy additional heavy machinery to complete restoration at the earliest opportunity. He emphasized minimizing inconvenience for stranded passengers and local communities affected by the closure.
The visit was attended by several senior officials, including:
- Chairman of the National Highway Authority (NHA)
- Secretary for Communications
- Chief Secretary of Gilgit-Baltistan
- Commissioner of Gilgit
The minister praised engineers, technical staff, and workers from the NHA and FWO for their dedication and continuous efforts despite challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions.
Reopening Brings Relief to Travelers and Local Economy
With traffic now restored, the Jaglot–Skardu Road is once again facilitating the movement of passengers and commercial vehicles between Gilgit and Skardu. The reopening is expected to provide immediate relief to residents, transport companies, businesses, and tourists who were impacted by the disruption.
The route serves as one of the most important transportation corridors in Gilgit-Baltistan, supporting tourism, trade, emergency services, and daily travel. Its reopening is particularly significant during the peak tourist season, when thousands of visitors travel to Skardu and surrounding mountain destinations.
Importance of the Jaglot–Skardu Road
The Jaglot–Skardu Road plays a crucial role in connecting remote regions of Gilgit-Baltistan with the rest of Pakistan. Besides supporting tourism to destinations such as Skardu, Deosai National Park, and the Karakoram region, the highway is also essential for transporting goods, medical supplies, fuel, and construction materials.
The recent emergency restoration demonstrates the importance of rapid infrastructure response following natural disasters, particularly in mountainous regions that remain vulnerable to flash floods, landslides, and extreme weather events.
Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the affected area to ensure the safety of travelers while undertaking any additional strengthening work required to improve the road’s resilience against future weather-related incidents.
Disclaimer: This article is based on official statements and publicly available information available at the time of writing. Road conditions and travel advisories may change depending on weather conditions and further updates from the National Highway Authority (NHA) and relevant authorities.
