Khairuddin Shadani
Chitral, Feb 3, 2026: Snow clearance operations on Gabor Road are facing serious difficulties due to an unresolved bottleneck, with contractor negligence being cited as the primary cause.
According to on-ground observations, the volume of snow on Gabor Road is unusually high. Despite this, the National Highway Authority (NHA) is making concerted efforts to keep the road open and continues snow removal work using available machinery.
However, the main obstacle is a sharp bend at a specific point where the road becomes too narrow for snow-clearing loaders to pass. The restriction has effectively halted the movement of heavy machinery, creating a near-blockade situation.
During a similar road widening work at the same location last year, the contractor’s representative had told ChitraToday that the adjoining land at this point belonged to his driver and that the area would be cleared after the harvest of crop on the land by the owner.
Contrary to this assurance, however, the land remains untouched to date, resulting in the current obstruction and complicating snow removal efforts.
Local residents stress the need for permanent solutions to such problem points to prevent recurring difficulties during snowfall.
Addressing these issues in advance would ensure timely road clearance and reduce hardship for the public during winter emergencies.
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