Salang highway reopens for passenger vehicles

Monitoring Desk

CHARIKAR: The strategic Salang highway has been reopened for passenger vehicles after two days of closure following snowstorms, an official said on Friday.

Abdul Basir Habibi, who is responsible for protection and maintenance of the Salang highway, told Pajhwok Afghan News that the snowstorm at the southern part of the pass ended last midnight, paving the way for traffic resumption.

“Now the air is clear and sunny at the Salang pass and except heavy vehicles, all other vehicles can travel on the road by using chains,” he said.

Habibi asked passengers and drivers to avoid speed, extra weight and keep winter equipment, warm clothes, food, additional mobile phones and fuel.

He said 150 centimeters snow had amassed on the Salang pass and the temperature there dipped to minus 18C at night.

The highway connects central capital Kabul with nine northern provinces. (Pajhwok)