The federal government has identified seven major road links spanning 464 kilometres across Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) for federalisation under a tourism development initiative aimed at improving connectivity to key destinations and supporting the region’s growing tourism sector.

According to official documents, the proposed federalisation covers important road links connecting major tourist destinations with remote communities across the mountainous region. Under the proposed arrangement, the federal government would assume responsibility for the construction, widening, rehabilitation and long-term maintenance of the identified routes.

The seven proposed road links include the 54-kilometre Astore–Chilim Chowki Road, 31-kilometre Deosai–Skardu Road, 100-kilometre Skardu–Khaplu Road, 17-kilometre Skardu (Thorgu)–Shigar Road and the 36-kilometre KKH-Naltar to Satrangi Lake Road.

The remaining two routes are the 121-kilometre Thalichi–Astore–Rattu–Shounter Road and the 105-kilometre Gorikot–Shagarthang–Skardu Road, both of which are currently under construction.

Together, the seven routes cover 464 kilometres and are intended to strengthen access to some of Gilgit-Baltistan’s prominent tourism destinations while improving mobility for communities living in remote and mountainous areas.

The proposal has already been approved by the Gilgit-Baltistan Cabinet, while a memorandum of understanding has been shared with the National Highway Authority (NHA) for the proposed federalisation of the roads.

Under the proposed framework, federal authorities would take responsibility for the future development and upkeep of the routes, including construction, widening and rehabilitation. The arrangement is intended to provide a longer-term infrastructure framework for roads that serve both tourism destinations and local communities.

Road connectivity remains an important factor in tourism development across Gilgit-Baltistan, where mountainous terrain and limited access can make travel to several destinations challenging. Improved road infrastructure could facilitate tourist movement, strengthen connections between destinations and communities, and support businesses and services linked to the tourism economy.

The identified routes connect areas known for their mountain landscapes, valleys, lakes and adventure tourism opportunities. Improved accessibility could also help distribute tourism activity across a wider range of destinations rather than concentrating visitor movement around established tourism centres.

The proposed federalisation therefore represents an infrastructure-focused component of the broader effort to strengthen tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan. By improving road access and establishing federal responsibility for long-term maintenance, the initiative seeks to enhance connectivity between communities and the region’s natural, cultural and adventure tourism destinations.