BAZARAK — Infrastructure development in mountainous terrains requires strict adherence to safety protocols, yet residents in Panjshir province are facing severe daily risks due to ongoing construction work on the regional CASA-1000 transmission line project.
Mounting Travel Hazards
According to local accounts, construction activities along the provincial public road have transformed vital transport corridors into dangerous paths. Heavy excavation and operational work in the mountains frequently trigger massive rockfalls that tumble directly onto active travel routes, blocking traffic for hours and leaving drivers stranded.
Broken Promises and Poor Alternatives
Frustration is mounting among locals because project authorities had previously committed to installing protective wire meshes in high-risk, vulnerable sections before commencing heavy work. To date, those promises remain unfulfilled.
Compounding the problem, alternative routes designated by local authorities are plagued by deep mud and severe disrepair, rendering them nearly impassable. Commuters and local drivers are urging authorities to step up safety enforcement and immediately install protective netting to prevent potential tragedies on Panjshir’s vital arteries.