HERAT, Afghanistan — Afghan authorities have approved a new urban master plan for Herat, a strategic commercial center in western Afghanistan, to guide the city’s long-term growth, improve infrastructure, and attract new investment.
The Herat provincial administration said the plan received final approval from the Prime Minister’s Office after nearly two years of technical studies, field surveys, and feasibility assessments.
At the heart of the master plan is the development of a new urban area spanning 50,000 jeribs of land, a project expected to significantly expand the city’s footprint and accommodate future population and economic growth.
According to officials, the plan establishes a framework for the organized development of residential, commercial, industrial, and public-service zones while addressing key urban challenges associated with rapid expansion.
The blueprint also calls for the modernization of Herat’s road network, the expansion of industrial parks, and the creation of logistics hubs, freight terminals, and modern warehousing facilities designed to strengthen trade and supply chain connectivity.
Additional priorities include upgrading urban transportation systems, reducing traffic congestion, expanding green spaces and recreational areas, improving water distribution and sanitation infrastructure, and safeguarding the city’s historical and cultural heritage.
Authorities say the master plan is intended to curb unplanned urban development, create new employment opportunities, and encourage both domestic and foreign investment.
Herat, located near Afghanistan’s border with Iran, serves as one of the country’s principal trade gateways and is widely regarded as a key center for commerce, industry, and regional transit. Officials believe the newly approved master plan will reinforce the city’s position as a leading economic hub and support sustainable urban development in the years ahead.
