Alternate KKH section to be completed by next year ensuring high quality standards under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Chinese engineers working on the Dasu hydropower project are preparing to finish an alternate stretch of the Karakoram Highway (KKH) by next year. This development is expected to significantly cut travel time between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.
General Manager of the Dasu project, Amir Shafique, told reporters that the new highway is being built to modern, high-quality standards under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework. It will feature tunnels and arch bridges to eliminate sharp turns, making travel safer and faster.
The alternative route, located in Upper Kohistan and stretching from Kamila Bazaar to Summer Nullah, is progressing steadily. According to WAPDA, the project is on track to be completed by 2026.
Shafique explained that the existing KKH will be submerged by the reservoir of the Dasu Dam, and therefore the new segment is being constructed to meet Chinese standards. He added that the design ensures uninterrupted traffic flow, even during landslides or floods.
The 62-kilometer section is part of the larger 279-kilometer Thakot-Raikot route under CPEC, which has already received approval from the Chinese government.
Shafique noted that this stretch includes the construction of 15 tunnels and nine bridges, all designed to meet international safety and quality standards.
He highlighted that while the original KKH was built along mountainous terrain and rivers, the new dual carriageway will support all vehicle types, offering greater safety and operational efficiency.
Work is actively underway on major centenary box arch bridges at key locations such as Louter (113m), Ocher Nullah (362m), Barseen (225m), and Dogah (78m), with each at varying stages of completion and targeted for completion next year.
He pointed out that the previous route was frequently disrupted by landslides and floods, often halting traffic for days or weeks. The new road aims to eliminate such delays and ensure smooth travel year-round.
Shafique added that the alternate highway will also link to the Hazara Expressway at Thakot and is being executed in two phases.
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