SWABI: The reconstruction and widening of the nine-kilometre Utla-Bir Gali Road leading to the mountainous Gadoon Amazai region would help promote tourism in the region, besides resolving the communication issues of locals.

The provincial government had approved Rs200 million for the project, work on which started a few months ago, sources in the communication and works department told Dawn here on Monday.

They said construction of the road would greatly ease problems of tourists visiting the picturesque Bir Gali and Dand areas.

The officials said work on the road would be complete in one and a half years.

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf leaders, especially former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser, wanted the road project to complete before the next general elections in a bid to increase their vote bank.

The construction of the road till Bir Gali means visitors can easily access the Mahaban Mountain, which is only four kilometres from Bir Gali. The mountain is at the confluence of four districts, Swabi, Buner, Haripur and Torghar.

Mohammad Aqil Farooqi, a local, told Dawn that Mahaban Mountain was situated at the junction point of the four districts, and people from these areas frequently visited the scenic spot for leisure. “A well-carpeted road up to the mountain will boost tourism.”

When contacted, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf MPA Rangaiz Khan told Dawn that the lush green mountains in the Gadoon Amazai belt and pleasant weather in summer and snowfall in winter made it an attractive spot for both local and foreign tourists.

He said the road to the Bir Gali region would make it easily accessible to tourists.

Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2022