Summary
Content
01/04/06
Conclusion
The road between Rangla and Chikar Khas show no visible threat of landslides. The only problem with this road is that it is very long to drive from end to end. Narrow vehicles and 4WD will not have any problems reaching this area, but larger vehicles could find themselves having to turn back if the point below about serving Mehra Kalan from Chikar is ignored. Bedfords were seen using the road however, indicating local drivers do not have any reservations about the conditions. The road skirts the East side of a major valley. There did not appear to be connecting road either down into the valley or across to the other side.
The area has sustained notable earthquake damage, but IOM seems to have delivered a lot of timber and CGI sheeting.
Town Coordinates
1. Rangla (34.0460417, 73.6456741)
2. Rahim Kot (34.08417634, 73.65164814)
3. Mehra Kalan (34.12897392, 73.61726792)
4. Chikar Khas (34.15382543, 73.64919693)
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Rangla - Rahim Kot: 1 hour driving time.
Beginning from a small T-junction in Rangla, there is a road that leads to the settlements of Katker Bela and Katker. Katker is accessible from the first junction along the road, only a kilometer or two from Rangla. Katker Bela is the main settlement and is accessed by bearing left at the mentioned junction and then by following the road. The main road leads to Katker Bela, then to Lower Kot settlement, and then on to Rahim Kot Settlement. Along this road, Rahim Kot is the site of the first of 3 major IOM camps. There is also a large HLZ clearly visible from the road as it descends into Rahim Kot. The entire road up to this point is drivable for large trucks such as the typical Bedfords and it is recommended that all activity in this area be conducted by road rather than by air. The road is narrow and rough in parts, but appears to be suitable for travel. No significantly landslide prone areas were spotted.
Rahim Kot - Mehra Kalan: 1 hour driving time.
Beyond Rahim Kot the road deteriorates somewhat and one or two patches that might prove difficult for a 10-20 ton truck. However it remains passable for 4-6 ton trucks. Nakarfatot is the next settlement with an IOM Camp. There is relatively little else between Rahim Kot and Mehra Kalan except another small village called Mehra Saloo.
Mehra Kalan - Chikar Khas: 30 minutes driving time.
The road between Mehra Kalan and Chikar Khas is quite drivable, however there are some spots where the paving gives way to mud. It is recommended that Mehra Kalan be served exclusively by road, but from the direction of Chikar Khas rather than Rahim Kot due to the patchiness of the road between Rahim Kot and Mehra Kalan.
For more information on Bagh area roads please contact UNJLC Bagh at +92 (0)300 856 39588.