KABUL, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- Afghan authorities have begun initial construction of a new road linking the Kabul-Jalalabad highway with the Kabul-Parwan route, local media outlet Tolo news reported on Tuesday.

The project spans 3,544 meters in length and 60 meters in width, with a total investment of 374.4 million afghanis (more than 5.6 million U.S. dollars). It aims to ease traffic congestion in the capital and improve transportation links between the eastern and northern corridors of the country, the report said.

The new road marks an important step toward modernizing Kabul's infrastructure.

Kabul has experienced increasing traffic pressure in recent years due to rapid population growth and limited road facilities. In response, the city has launched several urban development projects, including road expansion, rehabilitation, and the construction of new transport routes, to improve the city's transportation network. ■