Kabul

Kabul ({{coor dm|34|32|N|69|10|E|}}, Kâb'l, in Persian کابل) is the capital and largest city of Afghanistan with a population variously estimated at 2 to 4 million. It is an economic and cultural center strategically situated in a narrow valley along the Kabul River, high in the mountains before the Khyber Pass. Kabul is linked with the Tajikistan border via a tunnel under the Hindu Kush Mountains.

Reconstruction

Public transportation in the city is overcrowded, with only 108 public buses for a population of 2-4 million. A US$23 million project to restore and expand the public electric buses system aims at some 50km of track and 50 vehicles. The goal was to have buses running along one line by the end of 2004, but there is no sign of this project getting underway. Expertise and training will come from the Czech Republic, particularly Ostrov-Skoda. In addition, India, Iran and Japan have agreed to provide more regular buses for the city. Private mini-buses and taxis crowd the streets, often seriously overladen with passengers.

Related Topics:
US - Czech Republic - Ostrov-Skoda - India - Iran - Japan

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As of October, 2005, there are thirteen licensed banks in Kabul: including Afghanistan International Bank (managed by the Dutch ING Bank), Standard Chartered Bank, Kabul Bank, Punjab National Bank and the Habib Bank of Pakistan.

Related Topics:
Bank - Standard Chartered Bank - Punjab National Bank - Habib Bank of Pakistan

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The Kabul Hotel (in the center of Kabul) is being revamped by the AKDN at the cost of US$25 million. The reconstruction of the hotel is now nearing completion (October 2005). It is unclear whether plans for a 200-room Hyatt Regency hotel will come to fruition. The landmark InterContinental Hotel has been partially refurbished, but is still dated by Western standards.

Related Topics:
Kabul Hotel - AKDN - Hyatt Regency - Landmark - InterContinental Hotel

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