The federal government has identified seven major roads spanning 464 kilometres across Gilgit-Baltistan for federalisation under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s tourism development initiative, a move aimed at improving connectivity and strengthening the region’s road infrastructure.
The proposed plan will place the construction, widening, rehabilitation and long-term maintenance of the selected routes under the National Highway Authority (NHA). The initiative is designed to provide more reliable access to major tourist destinations and remote communities across the mountainous region.
The roads selected for the proposed federal takeover include the 54-kilometre Astore–Chilim Chowki Road, 31-kilometre Deosai–Skardu Road, 100-kilometre Skardu–Khaplu Road, 17-kilometre Skardu (Thorgu)–Shigar Road and the 36-kilometre Karakoram Highway–Naltar to Satrangi Lake Road.
The remaining two routes are the 121-kilometre Thalichi–Astore–Rattu–Shounter Road and the 105-kilometre Gorikot–Shagarthang–Skardu Road, both of which are currently under construction.
The Gilgit-Baltistan cabinet has approved the proposal, while an agreement has been reached with the NHA. The proposal will now be placed before the federal cabinet for formal approval.
Once approved, federal authorities will provide funding and assume responsibility for the roads’ development and upkeep. Officials say the move will address persistent infrastructure problems caused by the region’s challenging terrain, including landslides, flash floods, avalanches and other natural hazards.
Tourism industry representatives have welcomed the initiative, saying frequent road closures often leave visitors stranded and disrupt travel plans. They believe improved roads could encourage domestic and international tourism while creating greater opportunities for local businesses.
A proposal to introduce toll charges for tourists has also been discussed, with local residents expected to receive an exemption. Revenue from the proposed toll could be used to support future road infrastructure improvements.
The federalisation plan is part of broader efforts to unlock Gilgit-Baltistan’s tourism potential through improved infrastructure and accessibility.