NHA starts installing steel bridge at Mahandri

MANSEHRA: The National Highway Authority (NHA) on Sunday began installing a giant steel bridge over the Kunhar River in Mahandri, suspending traffic between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan for the next three days.

“This central facility, which links Kaghan valley with the rest of the district and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Gilgit-Baltistan, was washed away by flood last year. Though the traffic was being managed through temporary structures since then, now a giant steel bridge is being installed to support the heavy influx of vehicles,” Nadir Khan, assistant commissioner of Balakot, told reporters.

He said machinery had been deployed to ensure the timely installation of the 33-foot-wide steel bridge by June 18.“We are optimistic that the replacement and installation of the bridge will be completed within the stipulated time and the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad (MNJ) Road will reopen for traffic between KP and GB from Thursday,” Khan said.

He advised tourists planning to visit Kaghan valley or travel beyond Babusar Top to Gilgit-Baltistan to avoid visiting the area during the closure of the Mahandri Bridge.According to a circular issued by the district administration, visitors may travel to Shogran via the MNJ road, but would not be allowed to proceed beyond Mahandri.