The Ministry of Public Works states that construction work on 10 galleries along the Salang Highway is ongoing, and efforts are being made to complete the project before the onset of winter.
According to the ministry, work inside the tunnel, Gallery 16, and parts of Khenjan district has been completed.
"Construction work in northern and southern Salang, especially in 10 galleries and the Khenjan to Doshi route, is progressing well. Concrete pouring from the tunnel to Gallery 16 and from Gallery 16 to 17 has been completed, and work on metallic structures in various galleries is ongoing,” said Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works.
This project has been planned considering the climatic conditions of the Salang region.
An engineer from the contracting company stated that approximately 300 meters of concrete is poured daily under normal conditions.
"Currently, we are using chemical materials because the region's weather is extremely cold, and on some days, we pour about 150 meters, while on other days, up to 300 meters,” said Syed Abrar, an engineer on the project.
However, drivers and passengers are calling for the construction of this highway to be expedited.
Ghulam Mohammad, a driver traveling along the route, said: "As winter approaches, road problems increase, and we expect the government to complete this road to solve our problems."
"They should try to finish the road quickly because prolonged construction increases the cost of goods,” said Abdul Matalib, a passenger.
Based on the decision of the Islamic Emirate's officials, the cost of constructing the Salang Highway is funded through toll revenue, with the Ministry of Public Works collecting daily charges ranging from 80 to 2,600 afghani from freight and passenger vehicles traveling this route