ISLAMABAD
\nThe National Highway Authority (NHA) has completed much of the work on the upgradation and maintenance of the Lowari Tunnel\u2013Chakdara Section on N-45.
\nAccording to a document available with Wealth Pakistan, the NHA is executing periodic maintenance of the Lowari Tunnel at Chakdara on the National Highway (N-45). The task of upgradation and maintenance is expected to be completed by early 2026.
\nThis section was in a dilapidated condition, inviting the attention of the NHA authorities.The periodic maintenance work has been divided into two sections.
\nSection one spans 140-155km, and section two 155-193km, involving a total cost of Rs1,440 million. As per the document, 38% work has been completed on the first section, and 78% on the second section so far.This tunnel ensures an uninterrupted connectivity between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Chitral and serves as a vital route for commuters, trade, and tourism.
\nOver the years, heavy traffic flow, harsh weather conditions, and natural wear and tear have significantly damaged the road at various places, making timely intervention essential.The ongoing maintenance includes pavement rehabilitation, asphalt wearing course, improvement of drainage systems, slope protection, and repair of damaged structures along the route.\u201cThese measures aim to enhance road safety, reduce travel time, and ensure smooth movement of traffic, particularly during the peak travel seasons and adverse weather conditions,\u201d a senior NHA official told Wealth Pakistan.
\nThe NHA is closely monitoring the quality standards and timely completion. Regular inspections and coordination with contractors are being carried out to address any technical issues that may arise during the execution,\u201d said an official privy to the project. The improved road conditions will facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce, goods, and essential supplies to and from Chitral, besides promoting tourism by providing safer and more reliable access to the scenic valley.
\nThe official said that the NHA is committed to maintaining the national highways and motorways across the country. He said that similar maintenance and upgradation projects were underway on other critical routes. Infrastructure development remains a priority for the NHA to support regional connectivity, economic growth, and public safety, he concluded.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD The National Highway Authority (NHA) has completed much of the work on the upgradation and maintenance of the Lowari Tunnel\u2013Chakdara Section on N-45. According to a document available with Wealth Pakistan, the NHA is executing periodic maintenance of the Lowari Tunnel at Chakdara on the National Highway (N-45). The task of upgradation and maintenance […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":523494,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-523481","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n