ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): In a positive move towards tourism, the National Highway Authority (NHA) has announced the early opening of the Babusar Top highway this year.
Following the directives from the Federal Minister for Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan, the Babusar Top, the main thoroughfare connecting Gilgit-Baltistan with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was opened nearly two months ahead of schedule.
Traditionally, the mountain pass gets accessible to travelers in July, but this year tourists and locals alike will be able to use the passage in May, which will boost tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan and the famous hill station of Naran and Kaghan Valley.
NHA spokesperson said that the timely restoration of the Babusar Top route reflects the ministry’s commitment to providing improved facilities in the northern areas.
The official said that the early restoration was made possible after heavy glaciers and other obstacles were cleared well ahead of schedule, which allowed the route to be opened one to two months earlier than usual.
This move is expected to shorten travel time to northern areas of Gilgit-Baltistan by about five hours, offering a more efficient link for both tourists and residents.
The NHA has encouraged travelers to use the improved route and assured that regular maintenance and safety checks will be carried out throughout the peak tourist season, the spokesperson said.
