The signing of the construction contract for the second phase of the Wakhan road in Badakhshan province has been warmly received by residents, who have long awaited the development. They hope that the completion of this project will significantly reduce their difficulties and open new avenues for trade and connectivity.
The Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development signed a contract last Thursday for the second phase of the Wakhan road, which will extend 71 kilometers and is allocated a budget of 143 million afghani. The project will be undertaken by a domestic company.
Residents of Badakhshan have expressed their optimism about the road’s potential benefits. Mujib Hamidi, a local resident, remarked, “The initiative they have taken should be completed soon because it will serve as a good trade route for Afghanistan, especially for Badakhshan.”
Azizullah, another resident, emphasized the strategic importance of the road, stating, “The Wakhan road is one of the most important roads in the world because it connects China to Afghanistan and, through it, to Central Asia.”
Some residents from Wakhan district expressed high hopes for the project’s completion. Khoshbakht, a local resident, said, “We are 100% happy that the Silk Road has been revived, and we hope it will lead to affordability and better facilities.”
Taj Mohammad, another Wakhan resident, noted the practical challenges posed by the current lack of infrastructure: “If the road is built, it will be very beneficial for the people. Right now, if a patient has to travel to Faizabad, they can’t even reach there in a week.”
Local authorities have assured the residents of the project’s security and emphasized its long-term benefits. Aminullah Tayeb, the deputy governor of Badakhshan, expressed confidence in the successful completion of the project, saying, “Alhamdulillah, the Islamic Emirate has fully prepared for the construction of this road after signing the contract, and it will be carried out in the best possible way.”
Amanullah Chira, the head of Rural Rehabilitation and Development in Badakhshan, highlighted the regional importance of the road, stating, “The Wakhan road is not only economically beneficial for Afghanistan but also for neighboring countries, and, Insha’Allah, it will be a fundamental road.”
The Wakhan corridor, extending from Faizabad city to the Yarkand area of China, spans approximately 500 kilometers and passes through high-altitude terrain, with elevations reaching up to 5,000 meters above sea level. This road is considered a vital link for trade and development in the region, holding promise for both Afghanistan and its neighbors.
