The Taliban-run Ministry of Public Works announced late Monday that the Salang Pass, a critical route connecting northern Afghanistan to the capital, Kabul, will be closed to large passenger vehicles and trucks for approximately two weeks due to heavy snowfall and strong winds.
In a statement, the ministry said the decision was necessary because an alternative route lacks the capacity to handle major traffic, including large buses, minivans, and commercial trucks.
The Salang Pass is a vital transportation hub linking Kabul with nine provinces in the north and northeast.
Heavy snowfall regularly impacts the Salang area during the winter months, making the pass prone to closures and delays.
Taliban authorities have urged drivers to use caution and seek alternative routes where possible, though many of those roads remain ill-equipped to handle the volume of traffic redirected from the Salang Pass.
