RASC News Agency: The Taliban group’s Ministry of Public Works has issued a statement proclaiming the reopening of the Salang Highway for cargo vehicles and passenger buses. As of today, Thursday, December 28th, these vehicles are sanctioned to resume normal traffic on this critical thoroughfare. It is noteworthy that, until now, the Salang Highway was exclusively accessible to passenger vehicles.
As delineated in the ministry’s communique, passenger buses of types 303, 404, and 580 are now permitted to traverse the Salang Highway in a customary and bilateral manner. Furthermore, cargo vehicles must strictly adhere to a predetermined schedule when navigating this highway. The ministry underscores the significance of drivers refraining from carrying excess weight, cautioning that any vehicle found in violation will be detained, and its owner will be subject to legal consequences.
The Salang Highway holds paramount importance as it functions as a pivotal link connecting 13 provinces in the north and northeast of Afghanistan to the capital city of Kabul. Recognized for its challenging topography, the Salang Highway has remained a bustling artery. Preceding this announcement, the Taliban group’s Ministry of Public Works had reported the completion of concreting work on the tunnel and 16 galleries of Salang.
Nonetheless, additional time is requisite to ensure the highway is thoroughly prepared for the seamless movement of vehicles. Following months of diligent repair and restoration efforts by the Taliban group, the Salang Highway was officially reopened for traffic on December 16th, in the presence of officials affiliated with the group.
