A snow plow removes the frozen remains of a glacier from the Kaghan Highway in Balakot as the road opens after months of closure following heavy snowfall in winter. PHOTO: EXPRESS
BALAKOT:
The long wait for Kaghan Valley residents and tourists is over.
After five long months of closure of roads and businesses in Kaghan Valley, the district administration and National Highways Authority (NHA) finally opened the Kaghan Expressway for all types of traffic.
As roads reopened, restaurant and store owners opened their doors and business activity in the region began to return.
Narán was isolated since last November due to heavy snowfall and large glaciers in the winter season, which have now been cleared with the help of heavy machinery.
As soon as the roads opened, hotel owners and traders headed to Naran City to complete preparations before the arrival of the Christmas season.
According to the administration, although the road to Naran town has been cleared, preparations for the regular arrival of tourists and their accommodation and food are underway and are expected to be completed soon.
The administration said that full supply of water, electricity, sanitation and other basic facilities is being ensured in Naran. Once all the facilities are completed, Naran will be open to tourists so that they can easily enjoy the enchanting views of the valley.
On the other hand, NHA officials said efforts are on to open Kaghan Expressway up to Babusar Top. Kaghan Expressway will be fully operational soon.
