KABUL, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Afghan authorities have begun construction of an essential bridge to connect the naturally isolated Darqad district to Taluqan, the capital of northern Afghanistan's Takhar province, the Radio and Television of Afghanistan reported on Sunday.
The bridge, designed to be 243 meters long and 7 meters wide, will be built at a cost of 238 million afghanis (around 3.6 million U.S. dollars) to permanently solve the transport and communication problems of the residents of Darqad district, the official media outlet said.
Residents of Darqad district, an isolated enclave situated in the extreme north of Takhar province, have not had a proper route to travel to the provincial capital for decades.
This is the first time a bridge is being constructed to connect Darqad to Taluqan, as well as to the neighboring Yangi Qala, Khawja Bahaudin districts and adjoining areas. ■