Drivers and passengers who use the Kabul-Bamyan highway told TOLOnews that the government does not clear snow from avalanches in Hajigak Pass (a high mountain pass connecting Bamyan province to Kabul through Maidan Wardak province).

A TOLOnews reporter who visited the central province of Bamiyan spoke with drivers who use the Kabul-Bamyan highway, and they said that Hajigak Pass is very challenging, especially in the cold season because of avalanches and heavy snowfall.

Hajigak Pass is of the two main routes from Kabul to Bamyan province.

“It is snowing very heavily, I have been here for two hours and the way is blocked. Many passengers remain in the way,” said a driver, Ismail.

Due to the lack of equipment for clearing the snow, the locals are taking steps to clear the pass with shovels. During the cold season, the pass is dangerous.

“This is not the first time that we face such problems. The problems have always existed on this highway,” said Maasoma, a girl going to Bamyan province.

“I see two or three incidents whenever I travel to Bamiyan. The passengers always hurt here,” said Ahmad Shah, a driver.

None of the government administrations or officials are present at the highway when the way is blocked for any reason during the cold season, say drivers.

“Heavy snowfall continues in Bamyan today, and Kerman, Hajigak and Shatoo Passes are closed to traffic,” said Hamidullah Mesbah, spokesman of the Ministry of Public Works.

The route of Bamyan to Kabul, through Hajigak Pass, is around 180 kilometers. Because of the harsh climate of the highway, the pass remains covered with snow during most months of the year.