Traffic between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan has been fully restored following the successful installation of a steel bridge in the Mahandri area of Kaghan Valley. The central bridge, which was swept away by flash floods last year, has now been replaced with a 33-foot-wide structure.
The previous temporary bridge had been causing severe traffic congestion, particularly during peak tourism seasons. To install the new bridge, the district administration had earlier announced a three-day closure of the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad (MNJ) road.
This allowed teams to carry out construction work safely over the Mahandri stream, which connects to the Kunhar River downstream.
To ensure minimal disruption during the closure period, the National Highway Authority constructed a temporary ramp beside the new bridge. This temporary pathway was used for emergency services, limited tourist access, and essential travel.
With the completion of the new bridge, two-way traffic has resumed, significantly improving road connectivity between the two regions. The new structure is expected to ease travel difficulties and reduce journey times between KP and Gilgit-Baltistan, offering an alternative to the Karakoram Highway.
Local residents and members of the business community celebrated the occasion by distributing sweets and offering prayers at the site. The upgrade has been welcomed as a major boost to tourism and trade in the area.
