Salang Pass Reopens to Passenger Vehicles After 24-Hour Closure

The Ministry of Public Works under the Taliban has announced that the Salang Pass, which had been closed for a full day, is now open to passenger vehicles from both directions.

Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, the ministry’s spokesperson, stated in a message on the social media platform X that traffic on this mountainous route has resumed and technical teams are present at the location.

According to him, snow-clearing operations in the snowy areas of the Salang Pass continue to ensure that cargo vehicles can also use the route, which is vital for transporting goods and meeting the daily needs of residents in northern provinces.

The Salang Pass was temporarily closed on the morning of Sunday, December 21, due to heavy snowfall and increased risks of landslides and road blockages.

This situation occurred amid heavy snowfall and a significant drop in temperatures over the past two days in many western and northern provinces of the country. These weather conditions had previously led to the temporary closure of some public roads in Herat and Badghis provinces.

Residents and drivers have repeatedly criticized the frequent closures of this crucial route and have called for more effective planning by the Taliban administration to manage winter conditions on the Salang Pass, aiming to reduce the economic and human impacts of its shutdown.