[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]Pakistan and China are poised to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the enhancement and realignment of the Thakot-Raikot segment, a crucial part of the Karakoram Highway (KKH), as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative.
This MOU will be formalized during the forthcoming visit of the caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar to China, signifying a significant development in the realm of CPEC.
Read more : Karakoram Highway Reopens for One-Way Traffic
The Thakot-Raikot section, an integral part of the Karakoram Highway, is on the brink of a significant transformation. This road, connecting Thakot and Raikot, plays a central role in the broader KKH and the entire CPEC infrastructure network, serving as a vital link between Pakistan and the expanding world of Chinese trade and commerce.
The construction of the Karakoram Highway spanned 16 years, from 1962 to 1978, covering a distance of 1,300 kilometers, with 806 kilometers falling within Pakistan.
In 2005, Pakistan and China initiated an endeavor to upgrade this iconic highway. Phase I of the Karakoram Highway upgrade, from Raikot to Khunjerab, covering 335 kilometers, was completed in November 2013.
The launch of CPEC in 2013 introduced a new vision for the Karakoram Highway. This revitalized KKH brought a series of substantial improvements, including tunnels, high-level bridges, stable slopes, and bypasses around congested towns. These enhancements aligned it with international road standards, providing travelers with a safe and remarkable journey through the mountainous terrain, stretching from Mansehra to Thakot.
The second phase of CPEC witnessed the transformation of the E-35 section from Havelian to Thakot, covering around 120 kilometers. This redevelopment introduced a motorway section connecting Havelian to Mansehra, streamlining travel and symbolizing the commitment of both nations to efficient transportation infrastructure.
This upgrade will elevate the road’s classification from Class 4 to Class 2, indicating improved quality and a higher permitted speed limit, ensuring faster and more efficient travel.
This development has the potential to revolutionize cargo transport, making it more efficient and cost-effective. The enhanced road network will accommodate heavier cargo loads, streamlining the transportation of goods with greater ease and efficiency.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
