Overview of the Importance of Highways in Industry

 

By: Najeebullah Mayar

Introduction

Transportation routes are among the essential needs for the economy, trade, and social and cultural life, consistently fulfilling the needs of human society everywhere and at all times. Transportation routes enable the movement of goods and people from one country to another or from one region to another. Just as blood vessels are vital to the human body, roads and pathways play a fundamental role in a country’s economic development. The construction of routes can be divided into two categories: natural routes and artificial or commercial routes. In the creation of natural routes, humans have not played a role; rather, these routes formed naturally. Artificial routes, such as roads, railways, and other pathways created by humans, play a significant role in the advancement of economic life.

Commercial Routes

Afghanistan once played a significant role in connecting countries across the world, with the Silk Road passing through its territory. However, as political and economic conditions changed globally and as agriculture and industry sectors developed, transportation systems also underwent significant changes. With the advent of railways and air corridors, Afghanistan's centrality diminished to some extent. Following the Industrial Revolution, transportation routes saw major advancements worldwide, but due to invasions, wars, weak administrations, and government neglect in Afghanistan, little was done to develop roads.

As time passed, natural routes lost their importance, and there was a need to focus on building new routes that would meet contemporary demands. Throughout its history, Afghanistan has used various routes for trade and travel, with major routes—such as the Silk Road and the Lapis Lazuli Route—passing through the region. In addition, Afghanistan’s governments have connected various regions within the country by roads. However, these roads must be expanded and equipped with resources over time to meet rising demands. Highways play not only a crucial role in promoting trade but also an essential role in the growth of industry.

The Importance of Commercial Highways in Industry

Roads and highways are of considerable importance in a country’s economic growth, as they transport raw materials to production factories and finished goods to markets on time. They enable easy access for traders and producers to commercial and retail centers, ensuring goods can reach customers promptly.

By connecting different areas, people gain awareness of each other’s products, fostering economic cooperation that strengthens industries. Furthermore, cities and industrial towns become connected to other cities, markets, and villages, creating employment opportunities in each region.

Roads also aid in attracting investment, as service and logistics centers and agencies prefer to invest in areas with existing infrastructure. Consequently, many industrial parks are established along highways where transportation is convenient. With an organized transport system, investors and producers can quickly and timely meet market demands, supplying essential goods to the people efficiently. Expanding road networks allows manufacturing companies to establish warehouses and stores in various cities, creating job opportunities. It also supports the expansion of hospitality and other logistics services, as hotels, restaurants, and even vehicle repair workshops are needed along these routes. When high-quality roads and highways are constructed, not only domestic but also foreign companies are encouraged to invest in the country, facilitating technology transfer and widespread usage. In Afghanistan, however, the lack of standard roads has remained a significant challenge over recent years.

Additionally, approximately 54% of Afghanistan’s major roads and highways have been neglected and damaged in recent years due to ongoing conflicts and now require reconstruction. Without serious attention and rehabilitation, the remaining sections risk further deterioration. Natural disasters, excessive load, speeding trucks, congestion, and the use of low-quality materials in road construction are key factors contributing to road damage. However, with the establishment of the Islamic Emirate, considerable attention has been given to the construction of major and transit routes.

Efforts by the Islamic Emirate in Highway Reconstruction

With the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate, attention has been given to this key principle in the advancement of industry and commerce in the country. Over the past three years, work has begun on significant commercial and transit routes in Afghanistan, such as the Salang Highway, Kabul-Kandahar, Herat-Ghor, Kandahar-Uruzgan, and, recently, the second lane of the Kabul-Ghazni road. In addition to major highways, projects have been initiated for roads connecting provinces and linking districts with cities.

One such major transit route is the Salang Highway, which connects the south and center of the country to the northern provinces and even Central Asian nations. Reconstruction efforts are ongoing. The project to rehabilitate this highway was inaugurated on July 12, 2023, by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs. By December 20 of the same year, concrete work on the Salang Tunnel and the 16th rockfall barrier was completed and inaugurated by the Deputy PM.

The rehabilitation work on the 80-kilometer Salang Highway started last year, stretching from Jabal Saraj to Doshi district in three sections. Concrete work on the tunnel, the 16th rockfall barrier, and a 5-kilometer section of the Khindjan-Doshi route has been completed, and work on the remaining sections continues in three phases by different companies.

Another major project is the Kabul-Kandahar highway, significant portions of which have been damaged due to natural disasters and conflict in recent years. With the Islamic Emirate in power, reconstruction efforts commenced. The segment from Arghandi in Kabul to Durani Bazar in Maidan Wardak province was inaugurated on July 15, 2023, by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, who urged the construction company to complete the project with full integrity. The reconstruction of the Kabul-Kandahar highway is divided into seven parts.

The second lane of the Kabul-Ghazni road starts from the Company area in Kabul, passing through Maidan Shahr and Sayedabad district in Wardak province, reaching Ghazni city. This road is a vital section of the Kabul-Kandahar highway, connecting Ghazni province to Kabul and linking southern provinces to the capital.  The 111-kilometer Kabul-Ghazni second lane road was officially inaugurated by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar on September 10, 2024.

The Kandahar-Uruzgan highway connects the south and north of the country and plays a critical role in Afghan trade. The paving of its 209-kilometer section began on November 21, 2023. The reconstruction of this road was undertaken in two parts. The first section, 108 kilometers long, passes through Arghandab, Khakrez, and Nesh districts of Kandahar and reaches Uruzgan province. The second section of 101 kilometers starts from the capital of Uruzgan, Trinkot, and extends to Chatoo Bridge in Dehrawood district.

In addition to highways, the Islamic Emirate has also focused on urban roads. Here are a few highlights:

• In 2024, the Ministry of Public Works designed 279.48 kilometers of roads, with the design process ongoing for another 244.8 kilometers.
• Maintenance work has been completed on 1,698 kilometers of roads.
• The first phase of the 15-kilometer Farakhar-Varsej road has been completed.
• Reconstruction work on the 10-kilometer Gardez-Zurmat road is underway.
• Work on the 24.15-kilometer second lane of the Kabul-Logar highway is in progress.

Moreover, several roads between provinces and within cities have been constructed or are under construction. Once completed, these projects are expected to play a significant role in improving transportation, particularly supporting industrial development and promoting commercial activities.

Conclusion

Roads are a vital factor in the economic growth of a country, and the Islamic Emirate must prioritize their construction. Years of conflict and insecurity have damaged many major highways and other roads in Afghanistan, which now require reconstruction. Additionally, some previously constructed roads no longer meet current needs and should be expanded or replaced with alternative routes.

Alongside major highways, attention must also be given to the roads connecting provinces and rural areas, as rural roads play an essential role in economic activities. In many regions, poor road conditions prevent timely access to markets for agricultural products and fruits, leading to losses for farmers.