| Press Statement Kabul, Afghanistan December 28, 2003 Completion of the Salang TunnelReleased by the U.S. Embassy Kabul
U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad today congratulated the people of Afghanistan and their government at a ceremony marking yet another milestone in Afghanistan’s road to recovery, the official opening and restoration of the 2.6-kilometer Salang Tunnel in the Hindu-Kush mountains. “The Salang Tunnel is a vital link between North and South Afghanistan,” said U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad. “It enables trade, repatriation of refugees and the free movement of Afghan citizens. With the tunnel operational, travel time is decreased between North and South Afghanistan by more than two days. One thousand vehicles, carrying goods, fuel and people are expected to pass through the Salang Tunnel daily.”
During fighting in 1998, the tunnel’s southern entrance and entire ventilation system were destroyed. Thanks to the World Bank and its contractors, the tunnel has been restored, with some $5 million in funding supporting new foundations, repaired lighting, ventilation, and drainage systems.
The United States has worked alongside the World Bank and Afghan Government in clearing land mines, snow, and rubble in the tunnel and the 42 miles of road at its northern and southern approaches. The United States Agency for International Development will continue this work with over $645,000 allocated for snow clearance, emergency repairs, traffic control management and training of Ministry of Public Works officials.
Ambassador Khalilzad said that this is one of many steps that are rapidly taking place in Afghanistan’s reconstruction. “With the peaceful and democratic process of the Constitutional Loya Jirga, the opening of the first phase of the Kabul to Kandahar Road, and the launching of provincial reconstruction teams in Herat and Kandahar -- the official opening of the reconstructed Salang Tunnel is another indication that Afghanistan is succeeding and the enemies of Afghanistan’s progress are being defeated. I congratulate the people of Afghanistan and their government for their determination and commitment to build a better life for their children. The United States stands with you.” |
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