Yesterday (Monday), the Ministry of Public Works announced the creation of an alternative route for the Salang Highway.

Mohammad Esa Saani, the acting head of the ministry, stated at the inauguration program of the newly constructed bypass in Salang that vehicle movement will not be halted this year, and drivers can use this route in both South and North Salang.

"We have constructed two alternative routes for Salang: one in North Salang and another in South Salang. This year, God willing, vehicles will not be stopped at any time. Small cars, as well as Mazda-type vehicles and other types of vehicles, can pass through it," said Mohammad Esa Saani.

The Ministry of Public Works recently announced the resumption of reconstruction work on the remaining sections of the Salang Highway.

Meanwhile, some drivers on the Kabul-Northern provinces route have said that the construction of an alternative route on the Salang Highway is better compared to the Khawak-Panjshir route.

Drivers on this highway urge officials to expedite the reconstruction of the main Salang route.

Shams-ur-Rahman Safi, one of the drivers, said: "The shorter route has made it much easier because people faced many problems on the Panjshir route. Vehicles would overturn, and there were many casualties."

Ajmal Ahmadzai, another driver, said: "Efforts should be made to keep Salang open. It's true that problems are being solved now, but many people still face difficulties because the route is one-way."

According to the schedule planned by the Ministry of Public Works, small passenger vehicles can use the bypass route in both directions during the day, and freight and passenger vehicles can travel on the Salang routes at night on a rotational basis.

Sakhi Ahmad Paiman, the first deputy of the Afghanistan Chamber of Industries and Mines, told TOLOnews: "In the past, there was no such alternative route for repairing Salang. The current alternative route is effective for transporting our commercial and transit goods. We hope the reconstruction process proceeds quickly."

Khanjan Alokozay, a member of the leadership board of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, saying: "Another tunnel should be arranged in Salang itself, serving both directions, and it should not be too difficult to traverse because the weather is cold there, and we currently lack facilities."

The reconstruction of the Salang Highway was initiated by the Ministry of Public Works in 1402 (2023). This year, the paving inside the tunnel, the sixteenth gallery, and the third section of this highway, which covers five kilometers, were completed.