Jalalabad Faces Traffic Crisis Amid Surge in Rickshaw Numbers

The city of Jalalabad is grappling with a surge in the number of rickshaws, leading to congestion and noise pollution. Residents are voicing their concerns and calling for regulation of these vehicles.

Uncontrolled Rise of Rickshaws in Jalalabad

Jalalabad, the capital of Nangarhar province, has informally earned the title of “Rickshaw City.” Residents report significant challenges due to the growing number of rickshaws. Zahidullah Nasiri, a local, noted that this mode of transport allows young people to earn income for their families and stay away from illicit drugs.

Traffic Issues and Noise Pollution

Despite being a small city with an area of 127 square kilometers and a population of approximately one million, the number of rickshaws has soared to over 35,000. Drivers attribute this increase to rising unemployment following the Taliban’s return to power. Rafiullah, a university graduate, stated that he was compelled to buy a rickshaw due to the lack of job opportunities.

According to Mohammadullah, another resident, the congestion caused by rickshaws has prevented patients from reaching hospitals in a timely manner, and noise pollution has markedly worsened. The community is now urging the Taliban government to take action to reduce the number of rickshaws or ban their import altogether.

Local Officials’ Response

In response to this crisis, Qazi Mulla Adil, spokesperson for the Taliban provincial administration in Nangarhar, did not answer media inquiries. However, former Taliban officials had promised to initiate a registration process for rickshaws as a measure to regulate urban traffic.