An Afghan company has won the tender to work on improving the Salang Tunnel after Isaf granted $11 million for its renovation, the Ministry of Public Works said Sunday.
The renovation will include reinstalling the air-conditioning system, lights, tunnel structure, and asphalt, officials said.
The ministry is talking with Isaf to include construction of a false ceiling for the tunnel as well, the deputy minister said.
"A false ceiling in a tunnel is a foundational structures for it, it should be constructed. It was not part of the contract but there are talks with Isaf, the source of the projects' funding, to have this matter included," said Ahmad Shah Waheed, Deputy Minister of Public Works.
Surveying, design, and technical assessments of the tunnel were completed by the ministry and Isaf five months ago, he added.
The project will start once the weather conditions are more favorable, and it is hoped these renovations will last for at least three years before further work is done.
The renovations will be done at night to allow for the tunnel to be open to traffic during the day time, officials said.
The Salang Tunnel is Afghanistan's main road connecting the north and the south of the country. It is located in Parwan province passing through the Hindukush mountain range and under the Salang pass.