Second phase of the Bamyan-Wardak road construction begins

Work on the second phase of the Bamyan-Wardak highway has begun and is expected to be completed in a year, said Public Works officials.

The project involves construction of a 500m long tunnel, bridges, culverts, protection walls and galleries along the highway.

According to Deputy Public Works Minister Ahmad Shah Wahidi, Italy has pledged 64mn Euros for the project.

The 82km highway crosses the Hajigak pass that links Bamyan City with Maidan Shahr and is considered to be highly valuable for economic prosperity.

Construction of the highway was initiated in 2006, and the first phase was completed at a cost of 35mn Euros by a Chinese construction firm.

Contract for the second phase of the project is awarded to an Afghan construction firm who shared the contract with an Iranian company.