Afghanistan's Paved Road Network: A Crucial Infrastructure Development

Afghanistan has approximately 34,903 kilometres of roadway, of which less than a quarter is paved. The country's road network was largely built in the mid-20th century, with assistance from the United States and the Soviet Union, but much of it fell into ruin during the final two decades of that century due to war and political turmoil. Since 2002, Afghanistan has launched major programmes to improve its road network, with international partners contributing funding and expertise. Despite these efforts, many roads in Afghanistan remain in poor condition, with potholes, destroyed bridges, and the lingering scars of conflict.

Afghanistan had 17,903km of paved roads in 2017

Afghanistan's road network is crucial to the country's stability and economic growth. In 2017, Afghanistan boasted 17,903km of paved roads, a significant improvement from the mere 50 miles of paved roads in the country in 2001. This expansion of the road network is vital for several reasons.

Firstly, Afghanistan is a landlocked country with limited transportation options. Proper roads are essential for farmers, merchants, and importers to transport goods and access markets. The paved roads also facilitate trade with neighbouring countries, such as the road from Mazar to Hairaton, which serves as a transit route for cargo between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.

Secondly, paved roads improve security. They enable police and the army to reach remote and unstable areas more quickly. Additionally, paved roads make it more difficult for insurgents, such as the Taliban, to plant improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Colonel Pete Johnson, the commander of U.S. forces in southeast Afghanistan, emphasised the security benefits of paved roads, stating that they lead to a shift of IEDs to other areas as it becomes significantly harder for militants to emplace them.

However, despite the progress made, Afghanistan still faces challenges regarding its road network. As of 2017, there were approximately 17,000km of unpaved roads in the country. Many of these unpaved roads are in rural areas, and due to decades of conflict, they have fallen into disrepair and are often blocked by security concerns. Additionally, the mountainous terrain in parts of Afghanistan poses challenges for transportation and road construction.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has played a significant role in improving Afghanistan's road infrastructure. Since 2002, USAID has spent $1 billion constructing 1,700km of new paved roads. However, security concerns, capacity building, and overheads have contributed to high costs, with some projects reaching $1 million per kilometre of road constructed.

Overall, Afghanistan's progress in expanding its paved road network is a positive step towards economic growth and improved security. However, continued efforts are necessary to address the remaining challenges and ensure the country's road network is safe and accessible.

The US spent billions building roads in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is a landlocked country with a population of nearly 30 million people. Geographically, it is a challenging country, with vast desert plains in the south and soaring mountains in the north and east. Despite this, the country has very few proper roads. In 2001, there were only 50 miles of paved roads in Afghanistan.

Recognizing the importance of roads for the country's economy and security, the US government has spent nearly $3 billion on road projects in Afghanistan since 2002. The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has spent $1 billion building 1,700 km of new paved roads. The US has also contributed to the rebuilding of the Kabul-Kandahar highway, which was hailed as a symbol of progress and a sign of efforts to rebuild Afghanistan.

However, despite these efforts, Afghanistan's road network remains in poor condition. A report by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) found that 95% of the road sections it inspected were damaged or destroyed, and 85% were poorly maintained or not maintained at all. The report identified several reasons for the poor conditions, including government corruption, lack of funding, and insecurity along the highways, with criminals and insurgents menacing travelers.

The poor state of Afghanistan's roads has led to concerns about the safety and efficiency of transportation in the country. The roads are vital for farmers and merchants to get their produce to markets and for importers to bring vital goods into the country. The lack of proper roads also makes it easier for the Taliban to plant improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Overall, while the US has spent billions of dollars on building roads in Afghanistan, the country's road network remains in a state of disrepair, impacting the economy, security, and daily lives of Afghans.

Highway 1, the Afghan Highway to Hell

A Road of Beauty and Peril

Highway 1, or NH0101, is a vital artery of Afghanistan's road network. Running from Kabul to Kandahar, it is a very challenging drive located in the heart of the country. Nicknamed the "Highway to Hell", it is a juxtaposition of beauty and peril, echoing tales of travellers who dared its stretches. The highway is a key portion of the Ring Road, a 2,200-kilometre two-lane road network circulating inside Afghanistan.

A Dangerous Journey

Highway 1 is extremely dangerous due to Taliban and insurgent attacks, roadside bombs, extreme weather conditions, and local militias acting as 'traffic police'. The road snakes deep through Taliban territory, and the threat of insurgency is what makes it so dangerous. Travelling through the area is not recommended. The road is totally paved but its conditions are awful, with potholes, ruts, and destroyed bridges.

A Symbol of Failed Intervention

Highway 1 was meant to be a symbol of the new Afghanistan. Today, it reveals everything that has gone wrong in America's longest war. The road is a glaring symbol of American failure, scarred with bomb-blast craters that snarl traffic and under constant attack from a resurgent Taliban. It has also been dubbed "the death road" and is considered one of the deadliest roads in Afghanistan.

A Costly Reconstruction

The United States spent billions of dollars on road projects in Afghanistan, including the reconstruction of Highway 1. However, many of these roads are now beyond repair due to government corruption, a lack of funding, and insecurity along the highways. The U.S. government has spent nearly $3 billion on road projects in Afghanistan, but it will cost more than $8 billion to replace the country's road infrastructure.

A Crucial Transport Link

Highway 1 is an important transport link for Afghanistan, connecting its largest cities and providing a route for trade and the movement of troops. It is also part of AH1, the longest route of the Asian Highway Network. The highway is used by civilians, government officials, and military personnel, despite the constant threat of attack.

Roads are crucial to the country's stability and economy

Afghanistan has a total road system of approximately 34,903 kilometers, with 17,903 kilometers of paved roads and 17,000 kilometers of unpaved roads as of 2017. The country's road network is crucial for its stability and economy, providing essential connections within the landlocked nation. Here are some reasons why roads are vital for Afghanistan:

Economic Development: Roads are vital for economic growth as they connect producers to markets, enabling farmers and merchants to transport their goods to markets more efficiently. Additionally, importers rely on roads to bring essential foodstuffs and other commodities into the country. Roads also facilitate trade and stimulate economic development in remote areas.

Security: Well-maintained roads are essential for security forces, allowing police and the army to reach remote and unstable areas quickly. Paved roads, in particular, make it harder for insurgents to plant improvised explosive devices (IEDs), enhancing the safety of civilians and security personnel.

Social Benefits: Roads provide access to essential services such as employment, healthcare, and education. They connect people to jobs, schools, and hospitals, contributing to overall social development.

International Trade: Afghanistan relies on roads for international trade with neighboring countries. Well-maintained roads facilitate the import and export of goods, reducing travel time and costs associated with trade.

Employment: Road construction and maintenance create job opportunities for locals, addressing the issue of unemployment in the country.

Despite the importance of roads, Afghanistan has faced challenges in maintaining and expanding its road network due to geographical constraints, conflict, and a lack of proper investment. However, efforts are being made to improve the road infrastructure, with various international partners assisting in these endeavors.

The Kabul-Jalalabad Highway is a breathtaking route

Afghanistan has approximately 34,903 kilometres of roadway, of which around 17,903 kilometres are paved. One of these roads is the Kabul-Jalalabad Highway, a breathtaking route that winds through the mountains and cliffs of Afghanistan.

The Kabul-Jalalabad Highway, also known as National Highway 08 (NH08), stretches for about 152 kilometres between the Afghan cities of Kabul, the country's capital, and Jalalabad, the largest city in eastern Afghanistan. The highway ascends from an elevation of 575 meters in Jalalabad to 1790 meters in Kabul. This elevation change, combined with the narrow roads and sharp turns along the Kabul River Gorge, makes the Kabul-Jalalabad Highway one of the most dangerous roads in the world.

The highway's treacherous terrain, including vertical cliffs over 2,000 feet high, poses significant risks to drivers. The road's challenging conditions are further exacerbated by reckless driving, with vehicles navigating hairpin turns at high speeds. The combination of steep climbs, sharp turns, and fast-moving vehicles makes the Kabul-Jalalabad Highway a treacherous route, claiming numerous lives each year.

Despite its dangers, the Kabul-Jalalabad Highway is a vital trade route in Afghanistan. During the height of the US military presence in the country, over 2,000 trucks hauled supplies weekly via this highway. The road also provides a means of transportation for locals, with hundreds of cars and trucks travelling between Kabul and Jalalabad daily.

The Kabul-Jalalabad Highway holds a significant place in Afghanistan's history. Parts of the road follow the route of the British Army's disastrous retreat from Kabul in 1842. More recently, the highway has undergone reconstruction efforts funded by the European Commission and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Authority. These efforts aim to improve the road's safety and facilitate the movement of trade, aid, and refugee return.

Frequently asked questions