Anyone who has driven through northern KP in the last few years knows the roads have taken a beating. Potholes, landslide debris, cracked shoulders, it all adds up to slower trips and higher repair bills for ordinary families. That is the backdrop for the new KP highways repair plan, where the provincial government has put aside Rs. 103 million to fix five key stretches before winter rains and snow make matters worse.
What the Government Has Actually Announced
The KP Highways Authority has floated an e-tender for the repair work, and this time the routes are named clearly instead of vague promises. The plan covers roads in Mansehra, Shergarh, Darband, Chapar, and Thakot, all areas where daily life runs on these highways, whether it is students heading to school, farmers moving produce, or shopkeepers getting supplies.
Where the Rs. 103 Million Is Actually Going
Here is the breakdown, route by route:
- Rs. 45 million for the 38-kilometer Mansehra–Ogi–Shergarh highway
- Rs. 35 million for the Shergarh–Darband and Chapar–Chandor highways combined
- Rs. 30 million for the 15-kilometer Thakot–Darband road
- Rs. 3 million for clearing landslide debris along a 35-kilometer stretch of Highway S-5
Seeing the money split this way is helpful. It means people can actually track which road gets fixed with which portion, instead of one lump sum disappearing into a general fund.
Who Gets to Bid on This Work
Not every contractor can jump in. Firms must be registered with the Pakistan Engineering Council and the KP Revenue Authority, and payments run through an e-payment system rather than cash handovers. It is a small detail, but for a province where questions about contract favouritism come up often, this kind of paperwork requirement is worth noting.
Why This Matters Day to Day
For families in the Hazara division, these are not optional side roads. They are the only way to reach markets, clinics, and jobs. A cracked highway means a longer ride on a motorbike, more fuel burned, and more wear on vehicles that people can barely afford to maintain in the first place.
Quick Checklist for Local Travellers
- Check community WhatsApp groups for live road updates before heading out.
- Avoid Highway S-5 at night until debris clearing finishes.
- Add extra time when driving the Mansehra–Ogi–Shergarh stretch during work hours.
- Report fresh potholes or blockages directly to the KP Highways Authority.
Conclusion
This repair plan is a reasonable, well-targeted move, but the real test will be whether the work finishes on schedule and holds up through the next monsoon. Until then, staying updated through local channels is still the safest bet for anyone travelling these routes.
