The deteriorating condition of Shangla’s major highways has become a growing source of concern for residents, transporters and the business community, as years-long delays in road construction and rehabilitation projects continue to disrupt daily life across the district. Several of the district’s principal roads, including the Alpurai–Khwazakhela Highway and the main roads linking Puran, Chakesar and Kana, have fallen into severe disrepair. Broken surfaces, deep potholes and incomplete construction work are posing serious challenges for commuters and increasing the risk of road accidents.
Alpurai–Khwazakhela Road in Critical Condition
The Alpurai–Khwazakhela Road, maintained by the National Highway Authority (NHA), is reportedly in particularly poor condition. According to local residents, large sections of the highway were excavated as part of a rehabilitation project but have remained unfinished for an extended period, making travel slow, uncomfortable and hazardous. Thousands of people, including students, patients, government employees, traders and transport operators, rely on these roads every day. Residents say the damaged highways have significantly increased travel times while forcing motorists to bear heavy vehicle repair and maintenance costs.
KP Government Projects Also Face Delays
Development projects on roads under the jurisdiction of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government have also experienced considerable delays. Construction work on major roads in Puran, Chakesar and Kana has continued for several years, yet progress remains slow. Residents claimed that the Kana Road project has not achieved even 20 per cent completion despite the expiry of its scheduled completion period. Similar concerns have been raised regarding the pace of work on the Puran and Chakesar roads. Some residents have also questioned the quality of construction at various locations and called for an independent assessment of the ongoing projects.
Monsoon Worsens Conditions
Local communities said the situation worsens during the monsoon season, when rainfall further damages the already fragile road network, leaving several sections difficult to navigate and, in some places, temporarily disrupting transportation. Residents also criticised elected public representatives, alleging that repeated commitments regarding road construction, the timely completion of development schemes and the improvement of public infrastructure have yet to produce visible results. According to local residents, promises made during election campaigns and on subsequent public occasions have largely remained unfulfilled.
Residents Call for Action
“The people of Shangla are now waiting for practical development rather than repeated announcements,” several residents told this correspondent, stressing that improved road infrastructure is essential for economic growth, education, access to healthcare and public safety. Transporters echoed similar concerns, saying the deteriorating roads have increased operating costs, damaged commercial vehicles and slowed the movement of goods throughout the district. Residents, transport associations and representatives of civil society have jointly appealed to the federal government, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the National Highway Authority and other relevant departments to immediately undertake the comprehensive repair and reconstruction of all major highways in Shangla.
Demands for Accountability
They further demanded that delayed infrastructure projects be completed without further postponement, that the quality of construction work be independently assessed, and that any deficiencies identified through such assessments be addressed in accordance with the law. The concerned government departments have not yet issued any official response to the residents’ complaints or the pace of the ongoing projects. The concerns regarding construction quality and project delays remain the claims of local residents and other stakeholders.
