Gilgit to China Bus Service Now Operational After 14 Years – Startup Pakistan

The Northern Areas Transport Corporation (NATCO) has received permission from the federal ministry of communications to restart its bus service between Gilgit and China after 14 years.

This bus route, originally suspended in 2010 due to the Attabad Lake disaster, will soon be back in action thanks to a joint effort between NATCO and China’s Xinjiang-Kashgar Xin Lu Transportation Co Ltd.

The official approval, known as a No Objection Certificate (NOC), was granted on September 30, 2024. NATCO is now preparing to finalize an agreement with the Chinese transport company to fully restore this service.

The return of the Gilgit-China bus route is significant for both countries. It is expected to boost tourism, allowing more travelers to easily move between Pakistan and China. It will also provide a major boost to trade, making the transportation of goods smoother and faster.

This bus service will help strengthen the already strong ties between the two countries, especially under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative, which aims to improve regional cooperation and economic growth. The renewed bus route is an important step towards deepening the connection between Pakistan and China.