KABUL, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Construction has officially begun on a major road project aimed at improving connectivity in northern Afghanistan's Badakhshan province, local media outlet Tolo News reported on Sunday.
The project will link nearly ten districts of Badakhshan to the provincial capital, Faizabad city. Valued at 603 million Afghanis (about 9.09 million U.S. dollars), the initiative is funded by the Ministry of Public Works, the report said.
The first phase of construction will cover 26 kilometers and is expected to significantly ease long-standing transportation challenges faced by residents in the affected districts.
Local residents welcomed the project, noting that poor road conditions have for years made travel to Faizabad both difficult and dangerous.
Construction of the road is expected to be completed within approximately 18 months, bringing improved mobility, safety and economic opportunities to the region.
