MUZAFFARABAD: Mounting public frustration over the prolonged closure of Kohala Road has triggered swift intervention from the Federal Ombudsman, who has ordered immediate steps to restore traffic on the strategically vital route. The directive follows a surge in complaints accusing the National Highway Authority of failing to ensure timely rehabilitation.

Federal Ombudsman Naveed Kamran Baloch took serious notice of the disruption and directed an on site inspection of the landslide affected area. Acting on these orders, Regional Head Mansoor Qadir Dar visited the location alongside NHA officials to assess ground realities and push for urgent remedial action.

Officials revealed that the landslide spans nearly one kilometre in length and around 400 metres in width, making it a complex engineering challenge. Although temporary clearance was achieved through continuous operations using heavy machinery, recurring debris flow continues to block the road due to unstable soil conditions.

Authorities warned that rainfall further aggravates the situation, increasing the risk of repeated closures. While short term solutions have enabled partial reopening, officials stressed that a sustainable fix would require more time, technical planning and controlled traffic movement during rehabilitation work.

To address the long standing issue, NHA engineers have proposed the construction of an open tunnel at the affected site. A PC One project worth approximately Rs1.5 billion has already been prepared and submitted for approval, signaling a shift towards a long term structural solution.

Kohala Road remains a critical artery for regional connectivity, economic activity and strategic mobility. The ombudsman’s intervention has raised expectations of accelerated action, as citizens and businesses await a permanent solution to restore smooth and safe travel on this essential route.