Objective. The objective of this USAID funded project is to reconstruct the existing roadway, drainage structures, and bridges between the two regional centers of Keshim and Faizabad, a distance of approximately 103 kilometers. Road reconstruction includes asphalt pavement and the construction of seven new bridges to allow reliable year-round transport.

Background. The Keshim to Faizabad Road lies predominately along the south side of the Keshim and Kokcha Rivers in Badakshan Province in northeastern Afghanistan, and links the municipalities of Keshim and Faizabad. Historically, this road was part of the ancient Silk Route from the Mediterranean Sea to the Far East. Today, it is seen as a vital link in the Afghanistan Government’s ambitious plans to construct a two-lane road to the international border with China.

Over the years, frequent floods and mudslides mostly due to regional earthquakes, localized rain, and snow events have contributed greatly to the deterioration of the road. At the beginning of the project, the route was a primitive, variable width dirt road, with a limited number of poorly maintained drainage structures. Substantial improvements were needed to meet the requirements set forth in the Ministry of Public Works Interim Road and Highway Standards adopted in March 2005.

Status. The main subcontractor commenced work in June 2007 and substantial completion is expected in July 2010, with project completion in September 2010. Asphlt is being placed on the roadway, and rock excavation, stone masonry and other work continues. Between the lead contractor and the three major subcontractors, this project employs on average 1,410 local workers, a number which is expected to climb again with the beginning of this new construction season.

Anticipated Impact. For more than 25 years, Afghanistan’s transportation infrastructure has deteriorated significantly due to lack of maintenance and limited new construction.  USAID is helping rebuild the transport sector in order to promote the efficient transport of goods and passengers, increase access to education and health care, and improve international travel to and from the country. Better roads will also decrease ethnic divisions between regions, re-activate the agriculture sector, reduce unemployment and improve the general security and stability of the country. The reconstructed Keshim-Faizabad road will allow the neighboring farming communities to transport their products to markets more efficiently and at reduced cost. It will also increase security by reducing the time to respond to localized or regional problems.

Map: Keshim-Faizabad Road

Picture Album: Keshim-Faizabad Road

News:

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Keshim-Faizabad Road Improves Local Economy

Ministry of Public Works Inaugurates Roads Maintenance Unit Office

LBG/B&V Employees Aid Badakhshan Villagers

Minister of Public Works Visits Keshim-Faizabad Road Project

Blasting on the Keshim-Faizabad Road Makes Way for Road Construction

Acquiring Right of Way for the Keshim-Faizabad Road

Rough Grading of Keshim-Faizabad Road Increases Access to Basic Facilities