KABUL (SW) – Travellers on the Salang Highway have expressed concerns about the lack of basic services along this key route urging the de-facto government’s Ministry of Public Works to provide more amenities.
Some of these travellers who spent several hours outdoors on Saturday night due to the closure of the Salang Highway, say that the Islamic Emirate de-facto officials should build shelters, medical centers, and pharmacies for travellers.
Ghafoor, a resident of Kunduz, says, “There are few rooms; mobile rooms need to be built. Clinics and pharmacies are needed, especially in emergencies. A large number of people use this route, these facilities are necessary and should be provided.”
Ahmad, a resident of Mazar-e-Sharif, Balkh, also emphasized, “Our request from the government is to build rooms on both sides of the Salang, north and south, so that travelers heading to the north can take shelter there in emergencies.”
Qadir, another traveler on the Salang Highway, also called on the Islamic Emirate de-facto government to improve conditions to prevent harm to travellers. “A safe shelter should be built for travellers. Clinics should be established, well-equipped food shops should be available, and heating facilities should be provided. When problems arise, at least those who are stranded for a day or two on either side of Salang should not suffer from the cold,” he expressed.
In response, officials from the Ministry of Public Works have announced that two medical centers and several rescue rooms have been activated to address the needs of travelers on the Salang Highway.
Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, spokesperson for the ministry, said, “Rescue rooms are now operational along the Salang Highway, where our fellow citizens can take shelter. Ministry teams are deployed along the highway and assist fellow citizens during emergencies. Additionally, two clinics are operating on both sides of the highway, and citizens can use them when needed.”
He further mentioned that the main route of the Salang Highway will be reopened by the end of December, which is expected to resolve many of the ongoing issues for travellers.
