For 16 years, commuters have waited for Pakistan to complete a highway project it initiated between Jalalabad and Torkham crossing – a project that appears to have been forgotten about.
In June 2007, work on a second lane on the Jalalabad-Torkham highway started, and work was scheduled to be complete by the end of July 2009. But the project was suspended soon after work started. In July 2015 work resumed, this time with an expected completion date of October 2016.
But once again, work was suspended until early 2017. Again the project ground to a halt and six years later, the highway remains incomplete.
Local residents have voiced their disappointment with the Pakistan government for its failure to fulfill its pledge to complete the highway, especially as the widened road is seen to be a key factor in increasing trade between the two countries and improving road conditions for safety purposes.
“It is important that there should be two lane roads and it will thwart traffic accidents …it is crucial…for businessmen as the road is a transit route,” said Eshratullah, a businessman.
“The contract has been made with Pakistan for the road’s construction. Pakistan makes excuses to prevent its construction and does not pay attention to it,” said a resident of Jalalabad.
Many drivers also highlight the narrowness of the current road, which frequently leads to traffic accidents.
The Taliban officials also share the concerns of the local population and have urged the Pakistani authorities to resume work on the road.
“We have frequently raised the issue with the ministry of public works and the leaders and we have raised the issue via the ministry with Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry [asking] if they will resume [the project]. If you do not want to resume work we will decide regarding the issue,” said Mawlawi Yar Mohammad, head of the provincial directorate of Taliban’s public works department.
Amu tried to get comment from Pakistan’s government, but were unable to do so.
Approximately 87 percent of the second lane, spanning 75 kilometers on the Torkham-Jalalabad route, has been completed. However, the unfinished project remains at risk of deterioration.
