Chitral : ReNews Pakistan
The federal government has set December 2026 as the revised completion deadline for the 153-kilometre Chitral–Booni–Mastuj–Shandur Road, a strategically important highway project aimed at improving connectivity between Upper Chitral and the Shandur region.
According to official documents, the project requires Rs4.20 billion during the 2026-27 fiscal year to achieve its revised target. Authorities have already spent Rs6.59 billion on the road's construction since work began.
The route connects Chitral, Pret, Booni, Mastuj, Shaidas and Shandur, providing an important transport corridor for local communities, tourism and regional economic activity. Following its federalisation in May 2020, the road was designated National Highway N-140, bringing it under the national highway network.
To facilitate construction, the project has been divided into four separate work packages, with work currently in progress on all sections. However, construction progress varies considerably across the different segments.
The first package, extending from Chitral to Pret, has recorded the highest level of progress, with 47.54 percent of work completed. The second package, covering the Pret–Booni section, has reached 34.77 percent completion.
Meanwhile, the third package, from Booni to Shaidas, stands at 38.16 percent completion. The fourth and final package, connecting Shaidas with Shandur, has achieved 29.78 percent progress, making it the least advanced section of the project.
The Chitral–Shandur Road was originally scheduled for completion between 2023 and 2024, but construction delays resulted in a revised timeline. With the government now targeting completion by December 2026, the timely release of development funds and sustained construction activity will be critical to meeting the new deadline.
Once completed, the upgraded highway is expected to improve year-round accessibility, facilitate tourism to the internationally renowned Shandur Pass, reduce travel times, strengthen regional trade and provide safer transportation for residents across Upper Chitral.