Drivers operating along the Herat-Kabul highway say a sharp increase in road tolls for both passenger buses and cargo trucks has significantly raised costs on one of Afghanistan’s most vital transport corridors.
The route, stretching roughly 1,067 kilometers (about 663 miles), connects western and central Afghanistan via the Kandahar–Herat Highway (AH1) and continues along AH1 toward Kabul. It is one of the country’s busiest arteries, widely used by passenger buses and trailer trucks, with dozens of transportation companies operating regular services.
Drivers said tolls for a single journey have doubled in recent months, rising from about 4,000 Afghanis (roughly $55) to 8,000 Afghanis (about $110). Many added that they are required to pay at multiple checkpoints along the route, further increasing the financial burden.
“Eight thousand Afghanis is collected from Herat to Kabul at four points,” said Jamil, a driver. “One in Lashkargah, one in Ghazni, one in Kabul and another in Kandahar. We ask the authorities to reduce it back to 4,000.”
The increase affects not only passenger transport but also freight traffic, with trailer truck drivers saying the higher tolls are cutting into already thin margins.
Drivers and transport operators said the rising fees come as they are grappling with higher fuel prices, maintenance costs and limited income.
Some drivers said that despite the higher payments, they receive little in return in terms of road maintenance or basic services.
“The money taken from us is called a toll, but even in Ghazni and Kabul, we face restrictions,” said Habibullah, another driver. “We are not even allowed to load freely.”
Others cited additional challenges, including weigh stations and deteriorating road conditions.
“There are problems with the roads and the scales,” said Dost Mohammad, a cargo vehicle driver. “Everything adds up. Money is taken from drivers, but no services are provided.”
The Herat-Kabul corridor plays a central role in both passenger mobility and the movement of goods across Afghanistan. Transport operators warned that the higher tolls could lead to increased ticket prices for passengers and higher costs for goods, as companies pass expenses on to consumers.
Taliban have not publicly commented on the reported increase or the concerns raised by drivers.
