RASC News Agency: The Taliban-controlled Ministry of Transport has announced the suspension of operations for 40 passenger vehicles across Afghanistan. In an official statement, the ministry cited “technical deficiencies” as the primary reason for the suspension, framing the decision as a step toward ensuring passenger safety and standardizing vehicle operations. The announcement follows two catastrophic accidents last week on the Kabul-Kandahar highway, involving a 580-model passenger bus and two gas tankers. These incidents claimed the lives of over 52 people and left approximately 80 others injured.
The accidents occurred late on the night of Wednesday, December 18, within a 15-kilometer stretch along the highway. In response, the Taliban suspended the activities of two transport companies linked to the tragedies. On Thursday, December 19, the Ministry of Transport issued a statement confirming that the decision emerged from an emergency meeting. This session included Abdul Salam Haidari, Deputy Minister for Road Transport, senior officials from the Ministry of Interior, and representatives from the General Directorate of Traffic under Taliban oversight.
While the Taliban claim the suspension aims to enhance passenger safety, deeper systemic issues such as substandard road infrastructure, driver negligence, and the deteriorated state of the nation’s highways remain largely unresolved. Observers have criticized the Taliban’s stance, highlighting their past role in the destruction and insecurity of Afghanistan’s transportation network. Over the last two decades, the group has been responsible for ambushing travelers, carrying out executions on highways, and planting landmines that severely damaged critical roadways. Their actions have not only jeopardized civilian lives but have also contributed significantly to the current state of the country’s crumbling infrastructure.
