Thursday, March 5, 2026
11.8 C
Srinagar

Azad Kashmir’s Tourism Revolution: New Route Connecting Azad Kashmir to Skardu through 12.7-Kilometer Tunnel

Muzaffarabad: (Azadi Times) The Pakistani federal government has unveiled an ambitious project to boost tourism by creating a new route from Azad Kashmir to Gilgit Baltistan via a 12.7-kilometer tunnel.

This marks the country’s third alternative route under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), significantly reducing the distance to China’s border by 350 kilometers.

The Pakistan Federal government has allocated 45 million for the construction of the Gori Kot Astor Road project, spanning from Gori Kot to Shigar via Skardu.

Editor's Note

Support Fearless Journalism

No state backing. No paywalls. Just truth. Support Kashmir's independent voice. Join 2,400+ patrons who fund independent voices.

Zero Paywalls
Reader Funded
Award Winning
Become a Patron From $5/month • Cancel anytime
Secure Payment
Encrypted

This new tourism corridor will connect Yarkand in China, as well as the districts of Shigar, Skardu, and Astor to Muzaffarabad.

The Pakistan National Highway Authority (NHA) is currently working on the construction of the Shounter-Ratu tunnel, measuring approximately 12.7 kilometers. The lengths of the Kel-to-Shounter and Shounter-to-Gori Kot roads are roughly 26.9 kilometers and 41.5 kilometers, respectively.

This corridor will traverse through various regions, including Kel, Lower Domel, Dhaki Naka, Khora, Chitta Katha, Upper Domel, and Chittyan in the Neelum Valley of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, connecting Shounter and Astor in Gilgit-Baltistan to Murcha Guzar, Mir Malik, Ratu, Nasirabad, Chogam, Rahmanpur, and Gori Kot. The project site is approximately 65 kilometers away from Skardu. The route spans from Neelum Valley to Astor Valley.

Hot this week

Authorities Register FIRs Against Prominent Figures; Public Advised to Verify Information from Official Sources

Srinagar, Pakistan-administered Kashmir – In a significant move to...

Kashmir Authorities Impose Strict Curbs Amid Protests Over Iranian Supreme Leader’s Death

Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir – Following the assassination of Iranian...

Kashmir Weather Forecast: Daytime Temperatures Set to Rise, Mountain Areas May See Light Snow

Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir – The Meteorological Department has issued...

Curfew Continues in Skardu Amid Deadly Protests

Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan administered Kahsmir) – Authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan...

Indian Opposition Condemns Khamenei Killing as Modi Government Remains Silent

New Delhi, India – The Indian National Congress, the...

Top Stories

Kashmir Authorities Impose Strict Curbs Amid Protests Over Iranian Supreme Leader’s Death

Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir – Following the assassination of Iranian...

Kashmir Weather Forecast: Daytime Temperatures Set to Rise, Mountain Areas May See Light Snow

Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir – The Meteorological Department has issued...

Curfew Continues in Skardu Amid Deadly Protests

Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan administered Kahsmir) – Authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan...

Indian Opposition Condemns Khamenei Killing as Modi Government Remains Silent

New Delhi, India – The Indian National Congress, the...

PTI Condemns Assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei

Islamabad, Pakistan – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has expressed profound...

JKJAAC Leaders Express Solidarity with Iran Amid Rising US-Israel Aggression

Rawalakot, Pakistan-administered Kashmir – Leaders from Pakistan-administered Kashmir have...

Pro-Iran Protests Turn Deadly in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Several Killed

Gilgit, pakistan administered Kashmir: At least seven people have...
spot_img

Related Stories