Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria completes 60% of Zalin–Derik highway  

ZALIN (QAMISHLI), North and East Syria — The Democratic Autonomous Administration of Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES) has completed 60% of the ongoing expansion of the highway connecting Zalin (Qamishli) to Derik, according to Ster Mirad, co-chair of the Federation of Municipalities in the Region.

In an exclusive statement to SyriacPress, Mirad said the project is scheduled to take four years to complete. The goal is to pave approximately 40 kilometres with asphalt as part of a 100-kilometer stretch between the two cities.

Mirad confirmed that the project currently faces no technical or administrative obstacles, despite earlier delays caused by Turkish military attacks in the area. 

She explained that the construction is progressing steadily, with oversight provided by engineering supervision teams, the Central Roads Directorate, and both temporary and final inspection committees. All work is being carried out in accordance with official project guidelines and specifications.

The highway, which spans 100 kilometers in length and 9 meters in width—plus an additional 2-meter buffer zone on each side—is projected to cost $25 million, based on the current estimates. 

The road is considered one of the most significant infrastructure projects undertaken by the DAARNES in recent years. Its importance lies in the fact that it will directly benefit and connect over 500 villages and several urban centers along the route.

The project officially began in August 2022 as part of the Local Administration and Environment Authority’s broader strategy to rehabilitate and expand main roads across the region. The goal is to relieve pressure on local municipal councils, allowing them to focus on urban services.