Construction of the much-awaited Rs 8 billion mega Lowari Tunnel Project (LTP) to link Chitral district with other parts of the country is likely to commence in October, it is learnt. Formal announcement in this regard is expected on Monday by Chairman of National Highway Authority (NHA).
The 8.86km long tunnel project is located at a height of 10,500 feet above sea level and will improve all-weather link of Chitral with the rest of the country.
Local people are of the belief that Lowari Tunnel Project would expedite economic activities there, as it would create jobs for the local people as well.
Sources said that different foreign contractors have visited the site to study the formation of the mountains where the tunnel is being built. The completion period of the project is around three to four years.
The project would be completely funded by the government. However, NHA is planning to seek foreign assistance as well.
The tunnel would also provide access to Central Asian states making Pakistan a hub for economic activities.
During 1976-77, Frontier Works Organisation had completed about 2,000 foot of digging work on the tunnel from the southern side in collaboration with the Lowari Tunnel Organization. However, the project was later abandoned and put in cold storage.
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