Contract for design, technical study of new Salang tunnel inked

KABUL (Pajhwok): The technical study and design contract of new Salang tunnel has been signed between the Ministry of Public Works (MoPW) and an Australian Company, The MoPW said on Saturday.

The current 2.5 kilometres Salang tunnel that connects the northern Afghanistan with the capital and eastern provinces of the country was built 52 years back.

The new tunnel would be 12 kilometres long from Doshakh area of Baghlan province to Awlang area of Parwan.

Public Works Minister Mahmood Balegh told reporters after signing the technical studies and design contract with SMEC, an Australian company, said the projects would be completed in two years and a half at a cost of $32 million donated by Japan.

He said the current tunnel was built by the Soviet Union more than 50 years ago and suffered huge damages. Thus there is a serious need for construction of an alternative tunnel to bypass the Hindukosh mountainous, he added.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah said: “It is my pleasure to see a project that will help the country economy, transportation and transit trade being launched,”

He said the construction of new Salang tunnel was part of the national unity government’s commitment as the current transit routes were not enough to fulfill all transportation, traffic and trading needs.

CEO said work on Dushi-Bamyan road was underway and primary steps for the construction of Khawak highway have been taken.

Nh/mds