What benefits will the new Kandahar Uruzgan highway bring to Afghanistan’s economy and connectivity? The Kandahar Uruzgan highway construction project was launched on September 13, 2025 by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Works.
The Kandahar Uruzgan Highway construction launch addresses critical infrastructure needs in Afghanistan, a region where poor road conditions have long hindered economic growth and access to services. By connecting Kandahar’s Shah Wali Kot district to Uruzgan, the highway will facilitate the transport of goods, agricultural produce, and people, fostering economic development and improving access to healthcare and markets.
Project Details and Timeline
The Ministry of Public Works has allocated AFN 790 million for the Kandahar-Uruzgan Highway construction, with AFN 350 million earmarked for expenditure in the first year. Mohammad Isa Thani, Minister of Public Works, said “Twenty-five kilometres of road from Shah Wali Kot district of Kandahar to Uruzgan, which will be built in two years at a cost of 790 million Afghanis, will receive 350 million Afghanis of spending this year alone.” The project is expected to be completed over two years, putting its completion around September 2027.
The highway forms part of the broader 173-kilometre Kandahar–Uruzgan corridor, portions of which have already been constructed. The current phase focuses on a critical 25-kilometre stretch, designed to meet international road-building standards, as confirmed by project officials.
Commitment to Quality and Security
Officials have emphasised that the Kandahar Uruzgan Highway construction will adhere to global standards to ensure durability. Enayatullah Shuja, Governor of Uruzgan, said: “Our request is that this road be built according to international standards, not in such a way that it collapses tomorrow and people once again face problems.” Similarly, Mohammad Ajmal Mishal, the project’s engineer, assured: “We will consider all standards during the implementation of this project and guarantee that the road will be built in a modern and high-quality manner.”
Security for the project is a priority, with Mohammad Rafiq Khadem, Uruzgan’s Police Chief, stating: “We will fully guarantee the security of this project. Security is maintained today, and conditions are favourable for implementing any project.” This assurance underscores the local government’s commitment to creating a safe environment for the Kandahar Uruzgan Highway construction launch.
Economic and Social Impact
The Kandahar Uruzgan Highway construction is expected to transform the lives of residents in both provinces. Poor road conditions have long posed challenges for transporting crops, accessing healthcare, and conducting trade. Ismatullah, a resident of Uruzgan, highlighted the current difficulties: “Our road is in terrible condition; we cannot transport our crops and patients on time. If it is built, it will provide great convenience.” Similarly, Musa Khan, a resident of Shah Wali Kot district in Kandahar, noted: “Once the road is built, we will face no further problems, and we will be able to deliver our agricultural produce and conduct our economic activities to market on time.”
The highway’s completion will likely boost local economies by enabling faster and more reliable transport of goods, reducing costs, and improving access to markets. This aligns with broader efforts to enhance Afghanistan’s infrastructure and stimulate economic growth in the region.
Background
The Kandahar–Uruzgan highway is a vital artery connecting two key provinces in southern Afghanistan. Kandahar, a major economic hub, and Uruzgan, a region reliant on agriculture, have faced connectivity challenges due to underdeveloped infrastructure. Previous efforts to construct parts of the 173-kilometre highway have been hampered by funding and security issues, making the Kandahar Uruzgan Highway construction launch a significant milestone. The project reflects Afghanistan’s ongoing efforts to rebuild and modernise its transport network amidst challenging economic and political conditions.
What’s Next
As the Kandahar Uruzgan Highway construction progresses, the Ministry of Public Works will monitor adherence to timelines and quality standards. The project’s success will depend on sustained funding, effective security measures, and the contractor’s ability to meet international benchmarks. Upon completion, the highway is expected to serve as a model for future infrastructure projects in Afghanistan, with the Kandahar Uruzgan Highway construction launch paving the way for improved regional connectivity.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, September 13th, 2025
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