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You are here » Home » Telling Our Story
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USAID works with Afghan Ministry of Public Works in clearing the Salang Tunnel
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| Improving Transportation in Afghanistan |
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Located in the Hindu Kush mountains at an altitude of 11,100 feet, the Salang Tunnel links the main road between north and south Afghanistan. During fighting in 1998 between the Taliban and the Northern Alliance, the tunnel's southern entrance and entire ventilation system were destroyed. Opening the tunnel was critical for the delivery of humanitarian assistance, economic development, and essential travel by Afghans. USAID provided funding to work with Afghanistan's Ministry of Public Works in clearing the tunnel of rubble and land mines. To insure continued operation of the Salang Tunnel, USAID provided $1.6 million for snow clearance, emergency repairs, and traffic control management.
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Before
When the tunnel is not functioning properly, transport from northern Afghanistan to Kabul takes 72 hours. When it is operational, goods can be transported from northern Afghanistan to Kabul in less than 10 hours.
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| Photo by IOM
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After
Traffic began moving through the tunnel on January 19, 2002. An estimated 1,000 vehicles carrying up to 8,000 passengers use the Salang Tunnel every day. Over 70% of the fuel used in Kabul passes through the tunnel.
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Photo by IOM
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