Thousands of travelers and tourists found themselves stranded on both sides after a major landslide obstructed Baltistan Road close to Shangus within Skardu district's Roundu Valley.
Traffic came to a complete halt because rubble kept falling onto the path, as reported by the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority. Heavy equipment failed to clear massive rocks, forcing the Frontier Works Organization to deploy a blasting crew to open the highway.
Authorities stated that the route would stay shut until at least Friday, cautioning the public against trying to traverse the dangerous zone because more earth movements could happen.
People were also urged by officials to skip nonessential trips and dial the 15 police hotline for up-to-date travel conditions prior to heading out.
Following the Indus River, the 167-kilometer Juglot-Skardu Road is currently designated as Baltistan Road and acts as an essential connection for populations in Skardu, Kharmang, Shigar, and Ghanche districts. Prime minister-inaugurated reconstruction of this highway finished in 2021.
Even with its significance, the highway stands out as one of the area's most perilous mountain routes, where regular rockfalls and deadly crashes cause safety worries.
Area inhabitants have voiced ongoing complaints regarding missing safety precautions like guardrails, alert markers, adequate safety guidelines, and dependable phone service at checkpoints.
Locals also claimed that builders failed to follow the initial engineering plans during the overhaul, leaving specific parts featuring sharp curves and elevated landslide danger.
Community members voiced annoyance regarding the ongoing neglect of these dangers despite frequent accidents happening along the highway.
