Chinese engineers working on Pakistan’s Dasu hydropower project are on track to finish an alternative section of the Karakoram Highway (KKH) by 2026.
Amir Shafique, General Manager of the Dasu hydropower project, said the new 62-kilometer stretch—from Kamila Bazaar to Summer Nullah in Upper Kohistan—is being built to high standards under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative.
“It will feature 15 tunnels and nine arch bridges to avoid dangerous curves and ensure uninterrupted traffic, even during landslides or floods,” he said.
The existing KKH will be submerged once the Dasu dam reservoir is filled, making this new route essential. Shafique confirmed that construction is progressing well, with major bridges at Louter, Ocher Nullah, Barseen, and Dogah at various stages of completion.
The road will eventually link to the Hazara Expressway at Thakot and is being constructed in two phases. The goal is to create a modern, dual-carriageway highway capable of handling all types of traffic safely.
Shafique emphasized that this upgrade reflects the strong Pakistan-China partnership and will eliminate long-standing travel delays caused by natural disasters.