KABUL, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Afghan authorities have commenced the construction of the capital's second flyover bridge aimed at alleviating chronic traffic congestion in Kabul, the office of the deputy prime minister for economic affairs announced on Tuesday.

The project, costing 462 million afghanis (nearly 7 million U.S. dollars), involves a 235-meter-long and 18-meter-wide flyover expected to be completed within 15 months, according to the office's statement.

Construction of the city's first flyover bridge began at an estimated cost of 21.5 million dollars a couple of months ago.

Kabul, home to an estimated population of over 6 million, continues to grapple with severe traffic jams on overcrowded roads, frequent power shortages, load shedding, and water scarcity.