Objective. The objective of this now completed USAID funded project was to provide a detailed design for an all-weather paved road, with all bridge and drainage structure improvements necessary to ensure a long lasting transportation corridor between the important regional centers of Ghaszni and Gardez.

Background. The planned construction of the Ghazni-Gardez Road will provide a direct east-west link of approximately 92 kilometers between the two provincial capitals and will connect to the Kabul to Kandahar Road. Currently, local traffic uses two alignments between the two provincial centers. Both alignments begin in Ghazni and share an easterly track to the village of Sar Tasan. East of Sar Tasan, the two roughly parallel alignments diverge, with one following a northern track through the district center at Ramak, and the other following a southern track that passes through another district center in Zurmat. Both alignments terminate in the City of Gardez.

The general condition of the Ghazni-Gardez road, prior to project inception, was a combination of unimproved roadway and partially graveled surfaces. Although improvements have been made in some areas, in general the road has been poorly maintained, and in many locations there is evidence of abandonment of prior roadbeds.

The proposed alignment for rehabilitation of the Ghazni-Gardez road follows the current southern alignment to about kilometer 32 in Dowlat Khan and then runs northeast to kilometer 40 in Payandeh. The road then follows the existing alignment in a southeasterly direction to kilometer 51 in Kolalgo and kilometer 66 in Zurmat. From Zurmat the road runs along the existing alignment in a northeasterly direction to Gardez City.

Status. The detailed design of the Ghazni-Khost road was finalized in May, 2009. Construction of the road will be implemented under a future task order.

Anticipated Impact. Coupled with other completed works under USAID's Rehabilitation Economic Facilities Services Progam, and other planned road construction under its follow-on project, IRP, this road segment will eventually link Khost via Gardez to the Kabul to Kandahar highway, an essential part of the national Ring Road network. It will further open the Eastern border provinces to the benefits associated with a modern road network across Afghanistan and into the markets of Central Asia and South Asia.

News:

A Road Runs Through It

Construction of the Ghazni-Gardez Road Will Provide Women Easier Access to Education and Healthcare Facilities