Ring road's final link

Work is to start soon on construction of the last remaining section of Afghanistan's ‘Ring Road’ highway, following approval of a US$ 176 million grant by the Asian Development Bank.

The highway loops the country and connects its major cities.

The Asian Development Bank describes completion of the road network as “essential for Afghanistan's desperately needed economic growth”.

Almost US$ 2 billion has been spent by the international community so far in rebuilding roads in the Afghanistan. The only section of the 3000 km Ring Road's construction without funding is a 193 km stretch between the western towns of Bala Murghab and Amalick.

While the Asian Development Bank's grant will finance a 143 km section from Bala Murghab to Leman, the Islamic Development Bank and the Saudi Fund will co-finance the remaining 50 km section from Leman to Amalick.

Speaking during a three-day visit to Kabal, Juan Miranda, director general of Asian Development Bank's Central and West Asia Department, said, “The Ring Road is the backbone of Afghanistan's transport network and its completion will be a major milestone in the international nation-building effort.”