A Skardu highway landslide has closed the Jaglot-Skardu Highway to all vehicles, cutting the road link between Gilgit and Skardu. The slide sent mud, rocks and other debris across the mountain road on Thursday, and no date has been set for reopening. Until the route is cleared and declared safe, travellers in either direction should treat the road as unavailable.
Clearance work under way
Heavy machinery, including excavators, has been moved onto the stretch affected by the Skardu highway landslide to remove the debris. Officials said the operation is ongoing and that they want the highway back in service as quickly as possible. Traffic will remain stopped until the material is taken away and the authorities judge the road safe.
Details of where the slide struck and how much damage it caused were not immediately available. For that reason, there is no firm timetable for reopening, and the work could take longer if it proves difficult.
Why the route matters
The Jaglot-Skardu Highway is an important road in Gilgit-Baltistan, carrying passengers and vehicles between Gilgit and Skardu, the region's two principal towns. The Skardu highway landslide has disrupted ordinary travel, and the disruption will continue for as long as clearance takes. Landslides are a recurring danger on mountain roads, where loose rock, mud and unstable slopes can block traffic and put travellers at risk.
Advice for travellers
Officials urged drivers in both directions to check the current condition of the route before leaving, and to postpone the journey until dependable updates on reopening are issued. Motorists have also been asked to drive with care and follow instructions from the relevant authorities. Anyone who has to make the trip should plan for delays and keep an eye on official updates.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Gilgit aur Skardu ke beech Jaglot-Skardu highway zameen khisakne ki wajah se sab gaadiyon ke liye band hai. Malba hatane ka kaam jari hai, lekin sadak kab khulegi, is ki tareekh abhi nahi batayi gayi. Is liye jin logon ko is raaste par safar karna hai, woh pehle sadak ki maujooda halat maloom karein. Jab tak bharosemand khabar na aaye, safar tal dena behtar hai.
