ISLAMABAD: National Highway Authority (NHA) has planned to provide an alternate route to China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) by building a 216 kilometre road linking Gilgit with Shandoor.

Talking to APP, an official of NHA Wednesday said the project would be part of the Gilgit-Shandoor-Chitral road and would provide an alternative route to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Karakoram Highway section.

The official said new road will be an all-weather road and during the winter season be very useful. Moreover, it will provide another route to Chitral other than the Lowari Tunnel.

In the 6th JCC of CPEC held in 2016, it was agreed to include Chitral CPEC road from Gilgit, Shandoor, Chitral to Chakdara in CPEC portfolio.

He said the road starts from Gilgit town located on Indus Highway and ends at Chitral town located at Nowshera-Chitral Highway (N-45).

He said the feasibility study of 148 km Shandoor-Chitral section has already been completed whereas the process of feasibility study and preliminary design of the remaining 216 km section Gilgit-Shandoor were on the anvil.

About the present condition of the road, he said it was constructed in 2002 by the provincial government but its sharp curves and steep gradient make movement of traffic difficult and unsuitable for heavy traffic.

About the objectives of the project, he said that it would connect adjoining areas and valleys, will help boost tourism and create new job opportunities for local residents.

The project will provide better communication system to the people of the area and after completion of Lowari tunnel, this road shall serve as an alternate to Karakorum Highway and create new job opportunities for local residents.