KABUL, May 2 (Xinhua) -- Afghan authorities have signed a significant infrastructure contract for the construction and rehabilitation of a strategic 20-km road in northern Samangan province, the Ministry of Public Works said on Saturday.

The project will be carried out under a joint venture between the ministry and two specialized construction and road development companies. The total estimated cost of the initiative stands at 641 million Afghanis (over 10 million U.S. dollars), according to the ministry's statement.

The roadway will run from Aybak, the provincial capital, to Ruyi Du Ab district. It is scheduled for completion within two years, it said.

Once operational, the upgraded route is expected to substantially reduce travel time and transportation cost, stimulate local commerce and trade, and greatly improve residents' access to healthcare and education services. ■