KABUL, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- Afghan authorities have launched the asphalting of a key road in Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of the northern Balkh province, as part of ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and boost economic activity, the state-run Bakhtar news agency reported Friday.
The project had an estimated cost of 5 million U.S. dollars and will cover a 25-km-long roadway. The construction was expected to be completed within three months.
Balkh province, home to one of Afghanistan's largest urban centers, is considered a strategic hub for trade and transit in the north, linking Afghanistan with central Asian markets. The project will enhance transportation efficiency, reduce travel time, and promote commerce in the region. ■