Local officials in Herat said that construction work on the province’s international passenger terminal is progressing rapidly.

The project, which will cost nearly $20 million, is being built to international standards in the southern part of Herat city. Upon completion, the terminal is expected to provide an alternative for large passenger buses that otherwise enter the city, causing traffic accidents.

The terminal will be constructed in three phases over the course of three years. The first phase includes the terminal building and the asphalting of ten kilometers of road. The second phase includes the construction of maintenance garages and a fire station, while the third phase will feature restaurants, a football field, and recreational parks.

Engineer Abdul Khaliq Ahmadi, who is overseeing the project, said: "The terminal will be built in three phases. The first phase has a one-year contract and is expected to be completed in the next seven months. After completing the second and third phases, the entire project will be finalized."

The terminal is being built on a nearly 200-hectare plot of land.

According to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, the terminal is being constructed to international standards and will provide necessary facilities for travelers.

Mohammad Anwar Zahid, an engineer from the ministry, told TOLOnews: "With the construction of this terminal, traffic congestion in the city will be reduced, and many conveniences will be provided to the public and passengers. This is an international terminal, and we will be able to use it extensively."

Nearly 200 workers are currently employed on this large-scale project, many of whom gained employment after being deported from Iran.

Seyed Ahmad Yousufi, one of the workers, told TOLOnews: "I spent several years in Iran and returned a year ago. The work here is good. I’m very happy to see such projects and even happier to be working in my own country."

Another worker, Mohammad Alokozai, said: "Projects like this should be launched across the country so that our people can return from Iran and Pakistan and find employment. I’m very happy to see so many workers engaged here."

Herat’s current passenger terminal is located in the northern part of the city, and large passenger buses must pass through the city center. According to local residents, this has frequently led to deadly traffic accidents.