Khairuddin Shadani | Chitral Today
CHITRAL, Dec 17, 2025: The Lowari Tunnel approach road project has been completed in a record three months – half the originally planned timeframe – marking a significant development milestone for the people of Chitral.
The Rs480 million project, covering nearly 10 kilometers, has now been opened to traffic, substantially improving regional connectivity.
The project was initially scheduled for completion within six months but was expedited following special directives and close monitoring by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
According to officials, direct oversight and regular inspections helped ensure both construction quality and rapid progress. Drone footage and completion visuals show that the road has been fully metalled and surfaced with high-quality asphalt.
For years, the Lowari side of the route remained in poor condition, creating persistent challenges for commuters, particularly during harsh weather. Travel was slow, unsafe, and damaging to vehicles. With the road’s completion, travel time has been significantly reduced, traffic flow improved, and road safety enhanced.
The Prime Minister’s Inspection Commission played a key role in maintaining transparency and adherence to standards throughout the construction process.
Member National Assembly Ghazala Anjum also remained actively engaged, coordinating with federal authorities and relevant departments to address what had long been a critical infrastructure issue for Chitral.
At the local level, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Chitral President and Prime Minister’s Coordinator Abdul Wali Khan, along with his team, provided continuous administrative support and follow-up, facilitating the project’s smooth and timely execution.
A completion conference was recently held at Chitral Town Hall, attended by representatives of the district administration, political leadership, and concerned departments.
Speakers at the event described the Lowari Approach Road as a vital step toward Chitral’s socio-economic development.
Officials from the National Highway Authority (NHA) said the project reflects effective coordination between the federal government and implementing agencies. They expressed optimism that other major road projects in the region, including Shandur Road, Garam Chashma Road, and Kalash Valley Road, will also be completed with similar efficiency.
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