New Karakoram Highway Alternative to Be Completed by 2026 for Dasu Hydropower Project

Chinese engineers working on Pakistan’s landmark Dasu hydropower project are making significant progress on a new 62-kilometer stretch of the Karakoram Highway (KKH), which is expected to be completed by 2026.

Amir Shafique, General Manager of the Dasu project, confirmed that the alternative route—spanning from Kamila Bazaar to Summer Nullah in Upper Kohistan—is being built to the highest engineering standards under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework.

Why is the New Karakoram Highway Route Needed?

The new section of the KKH is essential because parts of the existing highway will be submerged once the Dasu dam reservoir is filled. The alternative route ensures that traffic along this critical corridor connecting Pakistan to China remains uninterrupted despite major changes in the landscape due to the hydropower project.

Key Features of the New Karakoram Highway

According to Shafique, the modernized highway will include:

• 15 tunnels and nine arch bridges to bypass dangerous curves and unstable slopes.
• A safer, dual-carriageway design built to withstand landslides and floods, which frequently disrupt travel in this mountainous region.
• Major bridges at Louter, Ocher Nullah, Barseen, and Dogah, which are all under various stages of construction.

The upgraded stretch will connect to the Hazara Expressway at Thakot, forming a continuous, safer, and more reliable route for commercial and passenger traffic.

Part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

This alternative KKH section is a vital part of the broader CPEC initiative, which aims to boost connectivity, trade, and infrastructure development between Pakistan and China. The upgraded highway will help eliminate historic bottlenecks caused by floods, landslides, and rough terrain in northern Pakistan.

A Stronger Pakistan-China Partnership

Shafique emphasized that the successful progress of this project demonstrates the robust Pakistan-China strategic partnership, which continues to deliver transformative infrastructure under CPEC. Once operational, the new road will ensure smooth movement of goods and people through this critical corridor, supporting regional trade and boosting the local economy.

The new Karakoram Highway alternative route for the Dasu hydropower project is on track for completion by 2026. With tunnels, bridges, and modern safety features, it will keep one of Pakistan’s most important transport arteries open and secure for decades to come.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. For official updates on the Karakoram Highway alternative project and the Dasu hydropower project, please refer to announcements by WAPDA and CPEC authorities.

Afsheen Gohar

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