Mansehra to Rajwal Bela via Balakot, Paras & Kaghan
03-02-06
Detailed Assessment by DSS
1. Mansehra to Balakot Town
The 43km road from Mansehra to Balakot town is open and travelable.
2. Kunhar Bridge
Kunhar Bridge is the main bridge immediately after Balakot town. It is damaged and reconstruction will not be finished for 2 months.
Coordinates: N 34.31965 E 073.20865 43
3. To Balakot via Hassa Village
An alternative rout to Balakot can be accessed by turning right off the side road entering Balakot. This alternative route travels through the village of Hassa.
4. Hassa Bridge
The Hassa Bridge is a newly constructed by the Pakistani army engineers.
Coordinates: N 34.30777 E 073.20864.
5. Road Balakot to Paras
After the Hassa Bridge the road becomes very narrow and extremely dangerous. This section of the road was deeply affected by the earthquake. Traveling up to the mountains, the road surface has been damage by large landslides in many places. The road is still under threat from landslides and is frequently cut off by falling debris. The road climbs steeply in switchbacks (S curves). In several points appear to be near collapse. Numerous parts of the road were reconstructed on unstable slopes which have made it even more dangerous.
6. Bridge at Ghandoul
22 km from Balakot, the main bridge at Chandoul collapsed. There is no other way of traveling beyond this point. The Pakistani army engineers are currently repairing the bridge. (Note: the bridge is declared open as of today 02.02.06). Lt. Col. Khawaja Sohail Hafeez (DDPR) stated that the bridge would be open within two days.
7. Chandoul's Bridge to Paras
Lt. Col. Khawaja Sohail Hafeez (DDPR) has declared the road from the Chandoul Bridge to Paras to be open.
Coordinates: N 34.37095 E 073.25310
8. Kaghan to Rajwal Bela
The road is closed at several points along this stretch.
Activities : Land
Type of document : Update
Publication date 2006-Feb-03