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Kabul-Teknaf Grand Trunk Road: A Historic Artery

Explore the historic Kabul-Teknaf Grand Trunk Road in Jalalabad, a vital link between Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent for over 2,500 years.

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The Kabul-Teknaf Grand Trunk Road, also known as Uttarapath and Sarak-e-Azam, is one of Asia's oldest and longest major roads, stretching approximately 2,400 km (1,491 mi) from Teknaf, Bangladesh, to Kabul, Afghanistan [4, 5]. This historical route has linked Central Asia to the Indian subcontinent for at least 2,500 years, facilitating trade, travel, and cultural exchange [4, 5, 7, 9].

A brief summary to Kabul - Teknaf Grand Trunk Road, Utrapath, Sarak e Azam

  • C9QX+X82, Jalalabad, AF

Local tips

  • Visit during spring or autumn for pleasant weather and blooming landscapes [8].
  • Hire a local guide to gain deeper insights into the historical significance of the Grand Trunk Road and its surroundings [8].
  • Be prepared for potential checkpoints when traveling on the road and ensure you have necessary identification and permits [8].
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Getting There

  • Car

    If driving from central Jalalabad, follow the signs for the Kabul - Teknaf Grand Trunk Road [8]. C9QX+X82 is a GPS coordinate that can be entered into navigation apps [8]. Be prepared for potential checkpoints along the way and ensure you have your identification and necessary permits [8]. Expect the journey to take approximately 2-3 hours, depending on traffic [8]. There are no tolls.

  • Public Transportation

    To reach the Kabul - Teknaf Grand Trunk Road via public transport, head to the nearest bus station in Jalalabad [8]. Look for buses heading in the direction of the Grand Trunk Road [8]. The bus ride will take approximately 3-4 hours [8]. Upon arrival, take a local taxi or rickshaw to C9QX+X82; confirm the fare before starting your journey [8]. The taxi fare should be around 100-200 Afghanis [8].

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Discover more about Kabul - Teknaf Grand Trunk Road, Utrapath, Sarak e Azam

The Kabul-Teknaf Grand Trunk Road, a section of the ancient route also known as Uttarapath, Sarak-e-Azam, Shah Rah-e-Azam and Badshahi Sadak, represents a significant piece of Asia's historical and cultural landscape [4, 5]. For over two millennia, this remarkable road has served as a vital link between Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent [4, 5, 7, 9]. Stretching approximately 2,400 kilometers (1,491 miles) from Teknaf, Bangladesh, to Kabul, Afghanistan, it has facilitated the movement of people, goods, and ideas across diverse regions [4, 5]. Originally established during the Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century BCE, the road was inspired by the Persian Royal Road and connected the eastern regions of India with Central Asia [4, 5, 6, 9]. Over the centuries, various rulers and empires have contributed to its development and maintenance [4, 5]. Sher Shah Suri, the founder of the Suri Empire in the 16th century, significantly improved the road, widening it and introducing a standardized system of measurement [5, 6]. The Mughals further enhanced the route, recognizing its importance for military movements, administration, and commerce [5, 6]. During the British period, the road underwent substantial reconstruction between 1833 and 1860, solidifying its role as a crucial artery for trade and governance [4, 5, 11]. Today, the Grand Trunk Road continues to be used for transportation, with sections incorporated into the national highway systems of the countries it traverses [4, 5]. In Afghanistan, the road is a lifeline connecting major cities and facilitating regional commerce [6, 8]. In Jalalabad, the Kabul-Teknaf Grand Trunk Road serves as a reminder of the city's historical importance as a crossroads of cultures and trade [8]. Exploring this ancient route offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of South Asian history and the enduring legacy of this remarkable thoroughfare [6, 8, 9].

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