DelaramZaranj

Delaram–Zaranj is a major highway in southwestern Afghanistan that connects the town of Delaram in Farah Province with Zaranj, the capital of Nimruz Province near the border with Iran. The route is a key component of Afghanistan’s national road network and serves as a conduit for cross-border trade with Iran, linking western Afghanistan to Iran’s transport system and broader regional markets.

The Delaram–Zaranj Highway was constructed in the mid-to-late 2000s as part of international reconstruction efforts following years of conflict. It was funded and supported by international donors, including the United States, and implemented to upgrade Afghanistan’s transport capacity and regional connectivity. The project was carried out by private contractors under Afghan oversight, with engineering and logistical support provided through aid programs.

Geographically, the highway traverses arid western Afghanistan, connecting Delaram in Farah Province to Zaranj in Nimruz Province. It provides a direct land link between Afghanistan and Iran and is often described as a strategic element of regional transport corridors that support commerce and movement of goods.

In development terms, the road has facilitated economic activity by easing the movement of freight and people between Afghanistan and Iran. Its operation has also depended on security conditions along the corridor; insurgent activity, security incidents, and maintenance needs have influenced reliability and accessibility at various times. Despite challenges, the Delaram–Zaranj corridor remains an important asset for Afghanistan’s connectivity with South Asia and the Persian Gulf region.