History of Lawari Tunnel:
The 8.75 KM Lowari Tunnel was originally conceived in 1956 by the Government of Pakistan and work on the tunnel began on 8 September 1975 but was stopped in 1976 due to lack of funds.Work on Lawari Tunnel did not re-start until September 2005.
On completion The Lawari Tunnel will reduce the current 14-hour drive from Chitral to Peshawar by nearly 40%. People of Chitral have to travel from Afghanistan and then enter back in Pakistan during the winter season while Lowari top is closed for traffic due to snowfall in winter season. During this period Chitral remains virtually inaccessible, the tunnel will also facilitate all-weather transportation.
A South Korean construction company, SAMBU JV, has been assigned the remaining work on the tunnel. It is expected to be completed at a cost of more then Rs.8 billion ($133 million US) in 2015. Construction vehicles transited the completed tunnel in January 2009.The tunnel remains open temporarily for three days in a weak during the winter seasons when the Lowari Pass is closed due to heavy snowfall closed.