Taliban Public Works Minister Inspects Kabul–Jalalabad Highway Project

Mullah Mohammad Esa Thani, the Taliban’s Minister of Public Works, has visited a 32-kilometer section of the second lane under construction on the Kabul–Jalalabad highway, which begins in Kabul province. The visit comes as work continues on this concrete route through challenging terrain.

The Kabul–Jalalabad highway is considered one of Afghanistan’s key transport corridors, connecting mountainous regions and serving as a strategic link between Kabul and the country’s eastern provinces. It holds both economic and security importance.

According to the Taliban-led Ministry of Public Works, the minister instructed implementing teams and the contracted company to accelerate construction by increasing personnel and deploying more machinery—beyond the current 50 active units. He also called for construction to proceed even during winter, provided that weather conditions permit.

The second lane of the Kabul–Jalalabad highway is being built in two phases, totaling 54 kilometers. This includes a 32-kilometer segment in Kabul province and a 22-kilometer section elsewhere. However, concerns are growing among residents and independent organizations over the quality and timeline of this critical project due to a lack of transparency and ineffective oversight under Taliban administration.