Economic Value of the Second Road of the Kabul-Ghazni Highway

 

Author: Abdullah

 

Introduction
Highways and roads are means of communication and relationships among human societies and countries that have not only been effective in trade but have also played a constructive role for centuries in understanding and transferring various civilizations, cultures, and societies. In the past, strengthening relations between countries and their durability were largely influenced by the opening of trade routes and the development of this sector, which was very important at that time because there were no water routes or they were not used, and also because these routes were not as secure as land routes. Therefore, land routes held great significance. Throughout history, Afghanistan's geo-economic and geopolitical position has always been noteworthy. Afghanistan's existence among six major countries in the heart of Asia holds strategic importance. However, in addition to this, the country remains landlocked and does not have access to large bodies of water. Afghanistan shares borders with Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan to the north, Iran to the west, Pakistan to the southeast, and China to the far east. There are highways in Afghanistan with high trade and transit value. The Kabul-Kandahar, Kabul-Mazar, Kabul-Herat, Kabul-Nangarhar highways, and other roads connect not only the northern, southern, eastern, and western provinces of Afghanistan but also link South and Central Asia through these roads. These roads have been devastated due to the invasion of occupiers in our country. However, now, after decades of war and ineffective governments, a powerful central government under the name of the Islamic Emirate has emerged in the country, which, alongside other infrastructures, is taking steps to construct and build highways that can expand trade and provide facilities for the people. In this article, we will discuss Afghanistan's highways and the economic and commercial value of the second road of Kabul-Ghazni.

 

Highways of Afghanistan
 

As roads and highways are the economic arteries of every country, relying on them can facilitate public transportation while also developing the economic sector of countries. Afghanistan has various highways with high trade and transit value. One of these roads is the Kabul-Kandahar highway. The Kabul-Kandahar route is an important trade route. This road, which is essential for trade and social relations between the southern and central provinces of Afghanistan, is among the priorities for the reconstruction of the Islamic Emirate. This road is one of Afghanistan's first-grade transit routes and connects important provinces of the country. This road connects Kandahar and Spin Boldak on one side and significant points in the country such as Ghazni and Zabul on the other. Additionally, there are highways connecting Kandahar, Herat, and Torghundi, Islam Qala-Herat, Delaram-Zaranj, Kabul-Nangarhar, Kabul-Mazar, Herat-Ghor, and other similar highways. These highways not only connect provinces and regions within the country but also connect some of them with neighboring countries and regions. One of these roads is the second road of Kabul-Ghazni, whose construction was inaugurated recently. We will read on to see what impact this road has on the economy and trade.

 

Economic and Commercial Value of the Second Road of Kabul-Ghazni

 

The construction of highways and roads is essential for transit and trade. Without the construction of these transit and transportation infrastructures, the progress and development of a country are not possible. Human growth and advancement are directly linked to roads. Highways are not only the routes for ordinary people, military forces, or the platforms for commercial activities but also serve as the most important means of collective communication, providing a channel for the transfer of human intellectual and cultural achievements to one another. Revitalizing and developing highways can play a significant role in the growth and development of the economy and trade in the country. Therefore, we must focus on reviving this very important economic infrastructure. Fortunately, the Islamic Emirate, considering this important principle, has prioritized the reconstruction and construction of roads and transit routes in its working programs alongside adopting a reconstruction policy focused on the economy. One of these routes is the construction of the second road of the Kabul-Kandahar highway from Kabul to Ghazni. This road was inaugurated by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs. In the inauguration ceremony of this road, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs stated that investment in transport and communication infrastructure is considered one of the essential and important actions of the Islamic Emirate, and today the work on this significant project begins to fulfill this promise. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund added that the construction of the second Kabul-Ghazni road is a fundamental bridge between the center and the south, which will result in easier trade activities, reduced transportation time and costs, and greater convenience for travelers. This road, in addition to connecting Wardak and Ghazni, also plays a crucial role in linking Kabul with several important trade, agricultural, and populous provinces such as Zabul and Kandahar. Afghanistan has the important trade port of Spin Boldak and Chaman in Kandahar, where most exports and imports, especially in the southern zone, are conducted. All imported goods from Kandahar to Ghazni and then from Ghazni to Kabul are transferred via the Ghazni-Kabul road and from there to the northern provinces of the country. In addition, imported goods that enter the country through western ports are first sent to Ghazni and then transported via the Ghazni-Kabul road to Kabul and from there to other parts of the country. Besides commercial transfers, thousands of travelers from the southern and western provinces of the country travel to Kabul daily through this road. Undoubtedly, with the completion of the second Kabul-Ghazni road, many facilities will be created for citizens, goods will be transported on time, and trade relations between Ghazni and Kabul will be strengthened. Economic activities in areas along this road will develop, providing job opportunities for hundreds of people and making a significant and essential step in the country's transport.

 

Conclusion

 

For the development of the country, there is a need for transit infrastructures such as highways, roads, railways, air corridors, and airports. Development and progress of a country are not possible without the construction of the above-mentioned transit and transportation infrastructures. Likewise, the construction of such infrastructures requires stability in the country, more investment, experts, managers, good government planning, and more. If these tasks are managed and executed correctly in the country, they will play an important role in the country's economic growth. Similarly, the Kabul-Kandahar highway is not only important for internal relations in Afghanistan but is also vital for the development of international trade and economic relations for the country. The reconstruction of this road breathes new life into the economic situation in Afghanistan and fundamentally improves the quality of life for the people. In this case, citizens will be safeguarded from difficult conditions, and Afghanistan will take a new step toward development. The reconstruction of this highway is important not only for facilitating travel but also as a fundamental basis for the country's economic growth, strengthening trade relations, and social development. The second Kabul-Ghazni road is part of the Kabul-Kandahar highway and is referred to as the economic and social artery of the country; it must be constructed with complete speed and accuracy. With the construction of this road, on one hand, it will create facilities for travelers and prevent traffic accidents, and on the other hand, it will play a constructive role in the growth and development of trade and transit.