A snow removal vehicle removes the icy remains of a glacier from the Kaghan Road in Balakot as the road opens after months of closure following heavy winter snowfall. PHOTO: EXPRESS
BALACOT:
The long wait for locals and tourists in the Kaghan Valley is over.
After five long months of closure of roads and businesses in the Kaghan Valley, the district administration and the National Highway Authority (NHA) have finally opened the Kaghan Highway to all types of traffic.
As the roads reopened, restaurateurs and merchants opened their doors and commercial activity in the area began to resume.
Naran had been isolated since last November due to heavy snowfall and large glaciers in winter, which have now been cleared using heavy machinery.
As soon as the roads opened, hoteliers and traders headed to Naran town to complete preparations before the arrival of the festive season.
According to the administration, although the road leading to Naran town has been cleared, arrangements for regular arrival of tourists and their accommodation and food are being made and are expected to be completed soon.
The administration said that full supply of water, electricity, sanitation and other basic facilities was ensured in Naran. As soon as all the installations are completed, Naran will be opened for tourists so that they can enjoy the enchanting views of the valley without any difficulty.
On the other hand, NHA officials said efforts to open Kaghan Highway up to Babusar Top were underway. The Kaghan Highway will soon be fully operational.
