Perils and Beauty: Navigating the Kabul-Jalalabad Highway in Afghanistan
The Kabul-Jalalabad Highway is a challenging road located in Afghanistan, following the Kabul River Gorge for 64 kilometers (40 mi) in Taliban territory. This two-lane highway runs through 600-meter-high cliffs, and fatal traffic accidents are common due to reckless driving.
Key Facts on the Kabul-Jalalabad Highway
Part of the A01 National Highway, the Kabul-Jalalabad Highway spans 143km (89 miles), connecting Kabul to Jalalabad. Despite its strategic importance in facilitating trade, aid, and refugee return, the highway has deteriorated into a gravel road. Reconstruction efforts, funded by the European Commission and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Authority, are currently underway.
The Treacherous Terrain of Kabul-Jalalabad Highway
Navigating a breathtaking chasm of mountains and cliffs between Kabul and Jalalabad, the Kabul-Jalalabad Highway claims numerous lives regularly. The gorge, framed by vertical rock cliffs over 2,000 feet high, poses serious risks. Vehicles navigate through impossible turns, adding to the danger of this bewitching but perilous stretch of scenery.
Challenges and History of Kabul-Jalalabad Highway
Constructed in 1960 by the West German government, the Kabul-Jalalabad Highway faced severe damage during the 1980s insurrection against the Soviet invasion. In the subsequent decade, during conflicts involving the Taliban and armed groups, the road became a moonscape. Snowfalls lead to closures, and passengers often face extended waits in bitter winter conditions.
The Danger Beyond Insurgency along Kabul-Jalalabad Highway
While passing through Taliban territory, the real danger on the Kabul-to-Jalalabad road arises from its narrow, winding lanes climbing 600 meters through the Kabul Gorge. Reckless driving, overtaking heavily-burdened trucks, and astonishing speeds contribute to its reputation as one of the most dangerous roads. Travelers are urged to stay informed about the security situation.
Speed, Trucks, and Impatience on Kabul-Jalalabad Highway
Cars on the Kabul-Jalalabad Highway travel at astonishing speeds, navigating sharp turns with Formula One-like precision. The risk is heightened by slow-moving, overloaded trucks that struggle on the steep hills. Impatient drivers attempt risky maneuvers, often leading to crashes and further compounding the highway's reputation for danger.
Pic: http://afghanistantimes.af/kabul-jalalabad-highway-amongthe-worlds-12-most-dangerous-roads/