IntelMedium, Bilal Khudadad
Findings from the Pajhwok Investigative Journalism Center indicate that 80% of the buses donated to Afghanistan’s National Bus Corporation have been out of service for years due to technical issues. Meanwhile, a significant portion of the corporation’s properties has been seized or transferred to private companies under the name of “White Land.”
Mass Seizure and Inactivity of National Buses
According to obtained information, in less than two decades, many properties of the National Bus Corporation have been either confiscated or transferred. Currently, only 20% of the buses are operational or semi-operational in Kabul and a few provinces, while the rest are either parked in repair garages, abandoned in depots, or scrapped as junk metal.
Officials of the National Bus Corporation state that these buses were donated to Afghanistan’s transport sector between 2003 and 2009 by India, Pakistan, Japan, Iran, and Italy. The head of the corporation estimates that each brand-new bus was valued between $30,000 and $36,000 at the time of donation.
Seized or Transferred Properties
The Second District of the National Bus Corporation, a major urban bus terminal in Khoshhal Mina, District 5 of Kabul, was established in 1985. This property, covering 42 acres, was recently transferred to a foreign company under the designation “White Land”, despite containing infrastructure and buildings over 35 years old.
A formal document provided to Pajhwok by the National Bus Corporation confirms that the property included administrative and technical facilities, repair garages, commercial and residential buildings, and public roads near the Central Silos in Kabul. Yet, it was officially labeled as “White Land” before being handed over.
Legal expert Waheedullah Farzayee explains that any transfer of land that is still in use by its owner is illegal under Articles 64 and 69 of the country’s Land Law.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Younis Amiri, head of the National Bus Corporation, acknowledges that the transfer occurred before his tenure, with the approval of the Ministries of Transport, Urban Development, and Land Affairs. The Ministry of Transport confirmed this, while the Ministry of Urban Development and Land Affairs declined to comment.
A $200,000 per Biswa Land Handed to a Qatari Company
According to the head of the corporation, the Second District’s property—valued at up to $200,000 per biswa (unit of land measurement)—was transferred five years ago to a Qatari company, Al Gharafa, based on Cabinet Resolutions No. 9 and 19 and a proposal by the Ministry of Urban Development and Land Affairs.
Currently, a residential complex named “Shuhada Township” is being constructed on the land by the Qatari company. However, the company refused to speak with Pajhwok about the matter.
The Presidential Palace responded to Pajhwok’s inquiries, stating that the land transfer was approved under Cabinet Resolution No. 42 (dated March 9, 2016) and Article 62 of the Procurement Law. However, it did not provide further details on why the land was categorized as “White Land” or what the future holds for the National Bus Corporation.
The head of the National Bus Corporation views the land transfer as a severe blow to the already struggling corporation. He also confirmed that they have not yet been able to relocate all operational and non-operational buses, machinery, and equipment to the alternative location, a 50-acre plot in Pol-e-Hassan Khan, District 7 of Kabul.
A corporation employee from the Second District, speaking anonymously, revealed that the relocation process was so mismanaged that many buses became unusable. Workshops valued at nearly $2 million were moved so carelessly that their damage is considered irreparable.
Security and Theft Issues at the New Location
Meanwhile, Jummah Khan, the caretaker of the relocated buses in Pol-e-Hassan Khan, stated that he protects over 200 buses armed only with a shotgun and two rounds of ammunition. He reports frequent theft of bus parts, tires, and equipment, and despite repeatedly notifying corporation and government officials, no action has been taken.
The head of the National Bus Corporation admitted that the relocation process resulted in significant financial losses. Additionally, over the past 20 years, more than 20,000 square meters of land belonging to the Third District of the corporation in Khwaja Bughra (District 11 of Kabul) has been illegally seized and turned into residential homes. Another $2.5 million worth of corporation property in District 3 of Kabul remains under illegal occupation.
Only 1 in 5 National Buses is Operational
According to official data from the National Bus Corporation, out of 1,049 registered buses, 964 were donated between 2003 and 2009 by foreign governments.
At present, only 102 buses are operating in Kabul and 119 in other provinces, while the rest are either inactive, damaged, or scrapped in depots.
A lack of skilled personnel, financial and technical capacity, and public negligence have been cited as major reasons for the buses’ deterioration. The corporation head stated that spare parts for 350 inactive buses, donated by India, are available in storage but incomplete, making them unusable.
He further noted that half of India’s promised $1.5 million worth of spare parts for Tata buses have arrived, but the remainder has yet to be delivered, despite multiple requests to the Ministry of Transport and the Indian Embassy in Kabul.
Government Promises and Public Transportation Crisis
Pajhwok attempted to contact the Indian contractor responsible for the spare parts delivery, but received no response from the Indian Embassy in Kabul. Likewise, the Ministry of Transport, which signed the $3 million aid agreement with India, has refused to comment.
Local authorities have promised that India will donate an additional 1,000 new buses but only after the 350 inactive buses are repaired.
Despite these promises, the lack of an organized public transportation system remains a major issue for citizens of Afghanistan. Many Kabul residents believe that the National Bus Corporation is incapable of meeting even a quarter of the city’s transportation needs, let alone competing with private-sector transport services.
Zarmeena, a resident of District 4 in Kabul, said:
“Honestly, I never see National Buses during my daily commute. I always have to rely on private minibuses and vans.”
Experts argue that fighting corruption, appointing skilled personnel, and strengthening the National Bus Corporation are essential but unlikely to happen in the near future.
Previously, the government pledged to transform the National Bus Corporation into a National Passenger Transport Company, funded by the national budget and the acquisition of hundreds of new buses to improve urban transportation. However, progress remains slow.
This translation maintains the investigative and formal tone of the original report. Let me know if you need any refinements!
