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Description |
The proposed Project will promote regional cooperation and integration and improved access to social and economic opportunities in Afghanistan. It will increase connectivity, efficiency and effectiveness of land transport. The outputs under tranche 1 includes 145 km of improved road sections: (i) 50 km between Bagram Sapary road, (ii) 51 km between Jabul Saraj Nijrab, and (iii) 44 km between Faizabad Beharak. Tranche 1 will also support the Railway Project O&M contract, including additional project facilities and equipment to ensure its efficiency. The capacity component will deliver a new governance needs assessment; a revised national road and rail transport plan; assistance to the rail authority and a detailed feasibility study and design work for the new Mazar-e-Sharif to Andkhoy railway. |
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Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy |
The proposed investment program will rehabilitate and expand major sections of Afghanistan's road and railway networks. The investments, physical and nonphysical in nature, will add to those already being supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other development partners. The aim is to further improve domestic and regional connectivity while widening access to social and economic opportunities. The effort will facilitate investment into key strategic industries, including mining and related services. The result will be growth, jobs, welfare and trade. Providing better links from Central Asia to markets in the south, east, and west will generate transit fees but also new business opportunities to companies across Afghanistan. The road network is incomplete, mostly in bad shape, and the railway network is in its infancy. Capital outlays in both networks will cut transport costs, increase competitiveness, and raise productivity. A modern and efficient multimode system reduces poverty, and contributes to inclusive economic growth and stability. |
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Impact |
Increased trade and jobs in the project areas |
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