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Highway 1 Transforms: Smoother Journeys in Taliban's Afghanistan

2/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Since the Taliban took power in 2021, a 300-mile journey between Kabul and Herat showed Highway 1 is secure, well-maintained, and free of potholes.
Travelers experience a smoother ride along Highway 1.
Observers described daily-life scenes along the route, such as men training pigeons and children cycling past solar-panel-covered schools, reflecting the Taliban's efforts to enhance security and administration in Afghanistan.

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Story summary

Since the Taliban took power in 2021, a 300-mile journey between Kabul and Herat showed Highway 1 is secure, well-maintained, and free of potholes.
Travelers experience a smoother ride along Highway 1.
Observers described daily-life scenes along the route, such as men training pigeons and children cycling past solar-panel-covered schools, reflecting the Taliban's efforts to enhance security and administration in Afghanistan.