Writer:Salima Aryaei
The 117-kilometer road from Mahirud to Farah, which connects the South Khorasan border of Iran to Farah province in Afghanistan, has reached its final stage after years of delay. Iranian media have reported that the progress of this project has now reached over 93%.
This route is considered one of the key trade corridors between Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia. The road starts from the Mahirud border in the Sarbishah district of Iran and extends to the center of Farah province.
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Iranian officials have stated that this route could shorten the transportation of goods from southern Iranian ports such as Bandar Abbas and Chabahar to Afghanistan and Central Asia by over 400 kilometers.
Construction of the project began in the early 2000s. At that time, 64 kilometers were built and paved, but the project was halted due to insecurity in Afghanistan, political changes, the spread of COVID-19, and budget shortages.
Reports indicate that the completed section now needs repairs, as heavy truck traffic has caused damage and the road requires resurfacing.
Mir Mohammad Moudi, the Director General of Roads and Urban Development of South Khorasan, stated that the total length of the project is 117 kilometers. He mentioned that 64 kilometers had been completed in previous years, and last year, an additional 37 kilometers were paved.
According to reports, the remaining 14 kilometers of the route will be completed within the next three months. Iranian officials have said that the budget for this project has been increased under the new government.
Initially, only 2 million euros were allocated for this project, but later the budget was increased to 10 million euros.
It is reported that this project has gained renewed attention following meetings and discussions between South Khorasan officials, the Taliban officials, and traders from Farah province. Additionally, after the visit of the Taliban governor of Farah to Birjand, the completion of this road became a mutual goal for both parties.
The Mahirud border is one of the important trade routes between Iran and Afghanistan.
