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New Road Increases Market Access and Security

Improved road enhances economy and security

Photo of rough gravel road

USAID/Afghanistan

BEFORE:  Busses and trucks had a difficult time driving on the rough road between Ghazni in Ghazni Province and Sharan in Paktika Province in southeastern Afghanistan.

Travel over the old 64 km Ghazni to Sharan Road previously was slow, dangerous and unreliable. The new road now serves as an economic corridor for better access between the key cities of Ghazni in Ghazni Province and Sharan in Paktika Province. It facilitates expedient transportation of farm products to market, enhances economic development, and promotes social interaction along the road route. 

The new road has decreased the travel time from four hours to one hour. This will allow faster response from the Afghanistan National Police and the Coalition Forces to respond to possible security situations which may occur. 

Over 700 Afghan construction and security workers were employed to complete the road ahead of schedule and within budget. The road was opened in September 2006.

photo of paved road

USAID/Afghanistan

AFTER: The newly reconstructed 64 km Ghazni to Sharan Road has successfully decreased the travel time from four hours to one hour between the two communities.

The road reconstruction project in southeastern Afghanistan is part of a USAID Secondary Roads Reconstruction Program. USAID supports the Government of Afghanistan in its development of the transport sector and provides much needed infrastructure to Afghan communities.

New Road Increases Market Access and Security 01 Oct 2006 [pdf, 87 KB]

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Last updated January 5, 2009

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