Syed Shams Uddin
The Malopa section of the Skardu Expressway has garnered a reputation as the most treacherous portion of this vital route, with recurring landslides and rockfalls presenting a persistent and life-threatening danger to passengers traveling between Gilgit and Skardu. This expressway, envisioned as a lifeline for the region, connecting communities and facilitating economic growth, has unfortunately become a source of peril for travelers. The Malopa stretch, in particular, stands out as a glaring example of the challenges posed by the rugged mountainous terrain of Gilgit-Baltistan.
From the day the expressway was inaugurated, concerns about its safety have been raised by locals and travelers alike. Their primary demand has been the construction of tunnels at the most hazardous points, particularly in areas prone to frequent landslides. Such infrastructure, while expensive, is considered essential for mitigating the dangers associated with the unstable geology of the region. However, despite these persistent appeals, no substantive progress has been made toward initiating tunnel construction at these vulnerable sections. This lack of action has left the public increasingly frustrated and fearful for their safety.
The recent tragedy at Malopa, where a car was engulfed by a massive landslide, resulting in the loss of five precious lives, has further highlighted the critical need for immediate intervention. This horrific incident is not an isolated one; rather, it reflects a broader pattern of risk that has plagued this section of the expressway since its completion. Each passing day without addressing these vulnerabilities increases the likelihood of further tragedies, leaving families and communities devastated.
The construction of tunnels at high-risk points on the Skardu Expressway is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Tunnels offer a permanent and effective solution to the threats posed by landslides, protecting not only the lives of travelers but also ensuring the uninterrupted flow of traffic. For a region that relies heavily on this expressway for the movement of goods, services, and people, ensuring its safety is of paramount importance.
Delays in addressing these concerns are not just bureaucratic oversights; they have life-and-death implications. Each moment of procrastination heightens the risk of another catastrophic event, eroding public confidence in the authorities’ ability to safeguard their welfare. It is no exaggeration to say that ensuring the safety of this route is a moral obligation for those responsible for its maintenance and improvement.
The tragic loss of lives at Malopa should serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders. Immediate steps must be taken to allocate resources, initiate feasibility studies, and fast-track the construction of tunnels at identified high-risk locations. Public safety must take precedence over administrative delays or budgetary constraints.
In conclusion, the Malopa section of the Skardu Expressway exemplifies the precarious balance between progress and safety in mountainous regions. Addressing the hazards of this route through the construction of tunnels is an urgent necessity. The authorities must act decisively and without delay to ensure that this vital lifeline fulfills its purpose of connecting communities safely whilst ensuring unhindered tourist flow, rather than endangering the lives of those who depend on it.
A window to Northern Areas-I, The Muslim dated July 4, 1997. By Syed Shamsuddin Most of our people even today seem quite oblivious of the geo-political position of Northern Areas while the exact historical background concerning Gilgit-Baltistan and where these must stand politically remains yet another subject of discussion. Not to speak of a layman, a person of the stature of Chief Executive of the country, once inquired whether the Northern Areas an integral part of the north west frontier province (NWFP). This happened when he rule the country in the aftermath of martial law. Yet another minister on Kashmir and Northern Areas, during the democratic government that followed, was pleased to tell a member of the northern areas council that he owed his minisitership not to them (Northern Areas people) but to the turbaned man of his constituency, standing at the door of his official chambers. There is infact, dearth of substantial historical evidence as to when exactly man ...
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“Build Tunnels, Save Lives” Campaign: A Bold Call for Safe Travel on the Skardu Expressway
A wave of determination and unity has swept through Baltistan as students take an extraordinary stand to demand safer travel along the Jaglot-Skardu Road. Spearheaded by the Baltistan Students Federation, the campaign titled “Build Tunnels, Save Lives” officially kicked off on Saturday, December 21, with a bold and unprecedented protest march from Gilgit to Skardu.
The initiative highlights a pressing issue that has long plagued the region—the high incidence of accidents and fatalities on the Skardu Expressway, which protesters attribute to a deeply flawed road design. Central to their concerns is the omission of eight critical tunnels that were part of the original plan for the expressway. These tunnels were strategically designed to bypass areas prone to landslides, avalanches, and other natural hazards. However, their exclusion from the final blueprint has, according to the protesters, left travelers vulnerable to frequent and deadly mishaps.
This campaign is remarkable not only for its cause but also for its execution. Students from the Karakoram International University, Gilgit Unit, are embarking on a grueling march on foot through the mountainous terrain to draw attention to this life-threatening issue. The march symbolizes the resilience and determination of the youth, as they strive to make their voices heard and press for immediate corrective measures.
The campaign has garnered widespread attention on social media, amplifying its reach and rallying support. The protesters have emphasized that their march is not limited to students alone. They have extended an open invitation to all concerned citizens to join the initiative, transforming it into a regional movement for safer infrastructure.
Rajab Ali Qamar, reporting on the campaign, notes the organizers’ optimism that this collective effort will compel policymakers to revisit the road’s design and prioritize the safety of its users. They aim to pressure the authorities into restoring the original tunnel plans, which are seen as critical for mitigating the risks posed by the expressway’s hazardous sections.
This unique protest underscores the urgency of addressing a long-neglected issue that affects thousands of travelers and the wider community. It also serves as a stark reminder of the need for sustainable infrastructure development that prioritizes human lives over cost-cutting measures.
As the “Build Tunnels, Save Lives” campaign gains momentum, it has become a rallying cry for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, uniting them in their demand for safer travel and an end to the preventable tragedies that have marred the Jaglot-Skardu Road. This movement is not just a protest; it is a call for justice, safety, and the right to travel without fear.