A Study on Rehabilitation of Darul Aman-Kabul City Railway

Abstract

As it is well known, the railway route between Kabul city and Darulaman region was built and operated during the reign of King Amanullah Khan. On one hand this railway alignment was not extended and developed for unknown reasons. On the other hand, unfortunately, this vital infrastructure was destructed due to civil war and its locomotive scraps still can be seen in national museums in Kabul city. Since the majority of ministries will be moved to administrative complex in Darulaman region and the growing population in Kabul city on the other hand necessitate the rehabilitation of this significance railway. Hence, with being this route in operation, many advantages are achievable for both Kabul municipality and residents. Therefore, the purpose of the current study is to investigate the efficacy of rehabilitation of this railway network on traffic congestion, reduction of environmental pollution, and to provide reliable transport for all residents evenly. This research was conducted based on both library research and field survey method. The earlier part was performed through the investigation of different reliable books, journals, and other scientific resources while the latter part was accomplished with data acquisition through a questionnaire. The main hypotheses of this research are as following: Is it possible to revive this railway line using new models, facilities, and current conditions? whether the rehabilitation of this issue is of importance or not. The results obtained in this research, therefore indicate that the rail systems are used commonly in cities. Since the value of land increases steadily in Kabul and on the other hand a restricted urban space is available in this city, hence the current research findings propose the revitalization of this railway through constructing of Tramway and Monorail. The reasons for the current suggestions regarding the construction of railway transport are less destruction of current infrastructures and low negative impact on the ambient. In addition, the data obtained through the distribution of questionnaire support the rehabilitation of this historic railway in Kabul. In other words, the data which collected from total 150 persons in 48 different points of this route indicated that 70 respondents answered that they averagely waste 30-45 minutes per day in this path. The 132 contributors in this research showed their agreement with the reconstruction of this railway. Briefly the data acquired illustrate that the Kabul residents are complaining for air pollution, and lack of reliable and convenient transport system.