Deputy PM Inaugurates Salang Tunnel

KABUL, Dec. 20 – Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, officially inaugurated the completion of Salang highway tunnel and rockfall barriers reconstruction.

The ceremony was attended by Mullah Muhammad Essa Sani, Acting Minister of Public Works, representatives from the private sector, and several government officials.

During his address, Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Baradar Akhund emphasized the crucial role of sound infrastructure in a nation’s economic stability and journey toward self-sufficiency.

Acknowledging the severe damage caused by decades of war to the country’s infrastructure, he highlighted the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to restoring the economic foundations, considering it an integral part of their economic policy.

Mullah Baradar Akhund noted the rapid progress made in the reconstruction of the Salang Road, attributing the success to the efforts of Afghan engineers, a feat unseen in the past two decades.

Emphasizing the importance of the Salang highway, he underscored its role in facilitating transit for South and Central Asian countries, connecting the northern and southern regions of Afghanistan, and enhancing the transportation of commercial goods.

Discussing future plans, the Deputy Prime Minister mentioned the consideration of a second Salang tunnel and the extension of the railway from Hairataan to Torkham.

These initiatives aim to further boost transit and provide additional facilities for citizens. Expressing gratitude, Mullah Baradar Akhund thanked the Ministry of Public Works, private contractors, and engineers for their dedicated efforts in completing the Salang highway tunnel and rockfall barriers reconstruction ahead of schedule and with commendable quality.

Assuring the nation of the Islamic Emirate’s sincere efforts for the country’s populace, Mullah Baradar Akhund pledged to fulfill all promises through practical actions. He called on all Afghans to strongly support the Islamic Emirate.

It’s noteworthy that with the support of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the fundamental reconstruction of the Salang highway tunnels and rockfall barriers was efficiently completed by the private sector before the scheduled time, ensuring high-quality standards and making it accessible for all types of traffic.