Salang highway reopens after reconstruction

KABUL (Pajhwok): With the completion of reconstruction work on it, the Salang highway, connecting Kabul with northern provinces, was reopened on Wednesday.

In September this year, the main highway had been closed for traffic due to the reconstruction work.

At a ceremony in the Salang district of Parwan province, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar said the Islamic Emirate was committed to the construction of highways and roads and had taken steps in this regard without relying on foreign aids.

He said the incumbent government was striving to improve the country’s economy and increase the importance of the South Asia transit route.

“This is a major achievement for traders and investors. Many facilities will be created by transportation of goods from neighbouring countries.

“The volume of trade will also see a boost. The Islamic Emirate is planning to open the second Salang tunnel. God willing, we will give you good news about the second tunnel.”

Baradar said a nation could stand on its feet when it had economic infrastructure and the IEA had been focused on strengthening the economic infrastructure to achieve this goal.

“The Islamic Emirate translates in action what it says. It is in the interest of the people to firmly stand behind this government,” he remarked.

According to him, no foreign country or organisation has contributed to the rebuilding of the Salang tunnel. Instead, it been reconstructed with efforts and courage of the Afghans, he concluded.

sa/mud