Allowing the public access through Lowari Tunnel for two days in a week (each Tuesday and Friday) was decided in a high level meeting.
In acquiescence to directions issued by the Chief Secretary, KP Amjad Ali Khan, a meeting was held yesterday under the chair of Mr. Tariq Rashid, Secretary Relief Rehabilitation & Settlement Department to discuss issues pertaining to Lowari Tunnel Project. Director General, PDMA, Deputy Commissioner, Dir Upper, Chief Engineer C&W, Project Director Lowari Tunnel Project (NHA) and Assistant Commissioner, Chitral attended the meeting. Secretary RR&S Department highlighted the issue related to Lowari Tunnel Project and suffering of people in previous winter season.
He further added, the Deputy Commissioner, Dir Upper has communicated that National Highway Authority is going to start lining of Lowari Tunnel due to which facility of allowing civil traffic through tunnel from Dir to Chitral would not be available in the upcoming winter season. Resultantly, it will cause inconvenience and may lead to food and fuel shortages. Project Director, Lowari Tunnel said, Lowari Tunnel Project completion date is December 2016 and Prime Minister of Pakistan has issued directives to complete the project within stipulated time frame. Both parties i.e. Provincial Government and National Highway Authority-NHA agreed on access through Lowari Tunnel would be ensured by NHA for two days in a week. Secretary RR&S Department said, the tunnel would be opened for general traffic on each Tuesday and Friday.
He said, Hazard free access in tunnel during two days and 2 Km access road on both side of the tunnel to be constructed by the NHA. He said, Opening and Clearance of Lowari Top to be also ensured by NHA both for transportation of goods and general public. He said, apart from light Traffic Vehicles, small trucks (shehzore) would be allowed to pass through the Tunnel. He said, Project Director Lowari Tunnel Project-NHA will be the focal person to be contacted any time, if required and PD may also establish a control room during winter for the facilitation of general public and other concerned departments. Extensive publicity regarding tunnel opening days and vehicles allowable through tunnel to be ensured by District Administration Dir Upper and Chitral, he concluded.
