A Provincial Road Master Plan (PRMP) for Gilgit-Baltistan is needed to address formidable transport challenges. The need is justified at two levels. At the operational level, transport in Gilgit-Baltistan is overwhelmingly roads-based and a large portion of the network is in poor condition, which impedes efficient movement. At the policy level, the Government’s development strategy depends on a reliable transport system, as transport is a key input into economic activity and poverty alleviation.
The PRMP will contribute to Gilgit-Baltistan’s economic growth and provide safeguards against adverse social and environmental impacts of transport.
ETI-GB provides policy formulation support for the PRMP and for an operation and maintenance (O&M) policy. The master plan is intended to ensure that the road network is planned, maintained, constructed and developed to promote economic development, taking account of the Government’s immediate and future socio-economic plans.
All farm-to-market roads constructed under the programme have been handed over to the GB Works Department for future O&M. Formulation of a Road O&M Policy is in progress.