Landslide Blocks Baltistan Road Near Shangus, Thousands Stranded

SKARDU: A massive landslide near Shangus in the Roundu Valley struck on Thursday morning, completely blocking the 167-kilometre Juglot–Skardu Baltistan Road and stranding thousands of passengers, including tourists, on both sides of the debris.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority says the fallen boulders are far too large for machinery to move — the road can only be reopened by blasting. Debris is still sliding, and with more movement expected, the GBDMA has warned people not to attempt crossing the landslide zone on foot.

Blasting team on the way, road shut till Friday

A blasting team of the Frontier Works Organisation is being mobilised for the site, and the authority says the road will remain closed to traffic at least until Friday. Passengers have been advised to avoid non-essential travel and to check road conditions on police helpline 15 before setting out.

With no alternate route, the closure cuts the districts of Skardu, Kharmang, Shigar and Ghanche off from the rest of the country — the Baltistan Road is the only major link nearly a million people depend on for supplies.

Residents angry: safety measures never came

Locals say the neglect is the real story. Though the road was reconstructed and opened in 2021, the safety barriers, warning signs and telecom at checkpoints were never installed and the original design was not followed, they argue — which is why landslides and fatal accidents have become routine on this stretch.