The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Inaugurates Construction of the Second Kabul – Jalalabad Road

Today, on October 26, 2024, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, inaugurated the construction work for the second Kabul – Jalalabad road. The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Public Works, Mullah Muhammad Isa Sani, provincial officials from Nangarhar, representatives of the private sector, and several citizens.

In his remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted that the second Kabul – Jalalabad road is a vital project for internal connectivity and ground transport, linking the two major commercial and strategic provinces of Kabul and Nangarhar with a shorter distance. He added that improving transportation between these two important economic, commercial, and transit cities will not only enhance domestic trade but also play a critical role in expanding our trade relations with the region and the world, thereby supporting the national economy.

Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund stated that, based on the directive of the Esteemed Amir-ul-Momineen (may God protect him), this road is being constructed through the allocation of specific tolls based on vehicle type. This revenue will be collected transparently in a dedicated bank account for the Ministry of Public Works, deposited in the bank, and the Ministry of Finance will provide the necessary and urgent resources for operational requirements.

Referring to the importance of this route, Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund mentioned that constructing the second Kabul – Jalalabad road will reduce congestion on the first road and decrease traffic accidents. Additionally, it will facilitate smoother travel, expedite the safe and low-cost transport of commercial goods, and stimulate small and medium-sized businesses along the route.

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that building and strengthening standardized internal transport is the primary condition for regional connectivity; internal highways and roads connect provinces within the country and play a fundamental role in regional transport links with neighboring countries.

In concluding the ceremony, Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund congratulated the citizens on this important project and requested local residents to collaborate with the relevant authorities in its implementation. He also advised the technical teams responsible for implementing the project to complete it according to all standards.

Notably, the road, spanning 150 kilometers, begins in Kabul’s Bagrami district, passes through the districts of Khak Jabbar in Kabul, Hesarak, Khogyani, and Surkhrod in Nangarhar, and finally connects with Nangarhar's ring road.

The primary construction work for the first lot of the first phase of this road, which spans 22 kilometers, has begun.