Islamabad, June 20, 2025: Traffic flow between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Gilgit-Baltistan has been fully restored after the successful installation of a permanent steel bridge in Mahandri, located in the heart of Kaghan Valley. The 33-foot-wide structure replaces the old bridge that was washed away during last year’s devastating flash floods.
Previously, a temporary bridge was used, but it led to frequent bottlenecks—especially during the tourism peak in summer. To enable the safe and swift installation of the new bridge, authorities temporarily closed the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad (MNJ) Road for three days. This move allowed engineers to work uninterrupted over the Mahandri stream, which feeds into the Kunhar River.
To accommodate urgent travel during the closure, the National Highway Authority (NHA) constructed a side ramp allowing emergency vehicles and essential travelers limited passage. This proactive approach helped minimize disruptions and ensured some connectivity remained intact.
With the inauguration of the new steel bridge, two-way traffic has officially resumed, significantly improving road connectivity and travel times between KP and Gilgit-Baltistan. This route also offers a practical alternative to the Karakoram Highway, further boosting mobility for locals and tourists alike.
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Celebrations broke out among nearby residents and the local business community, with many distributing sweets and offering prayers in gratitude. The bridge is being hailed as a milestone in the region’s development, promising to revive tourism and trade in northern Pakistan.
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