Key pass in Bamyan reopens after 6 months

BAMYANCITY (PAN): A key pass, the nearest land route between Bamyan and Maidan Wardak provinces, has reopened for traffic after seven months of closure.

The Hajigak pass closure by winter snow forced people to use an alternative, but longer, route that connects Bamyan with Parwan province.

One of the passengers who travelled through the Hajigak Pass on Friday told Pajhwok Afghan News on Saturday that he paid a lower fare. Zainullah said he paid 600 afghanis ($13.4), compared to the 700 afghanis charged previously.

Although the road has many bends, small vehicles like cars and flying coaches can ply it without any problem, according to the passenger.

Bamyan traffic official, Mohammad Zaman Ayar, linked the delay in clearing the road to a shortage of funds. The pass reopened yesterday after the snow melted, he said. With the reopening of the pass, prices of edibles would come down, he hoped.

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