The Russian Deputy Prime Minister stated that Russia is working jointly with Uzbekistan on a feasibility study for the construction of the Afghan-Trans railway.
Denis Manturov, speaking at the 25th session of the Intergovernmental Commission on Cooperation between Russia and Uzbekistan, highlighted that Russia places special emphasis on developing international transportation corridors.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Railway Minister of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Works visited Hairatan and met with the head of Sogdiana Trans to discuss maintaining active railway lines, fully utilizing station capacities, and expediting the unloading and loading operations on the Hairatan-Mazar-i-Sharif railway.
Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works, stated: “In this meeting, discussions were held in detail regarding rail wagon congestion, keeping railway lines operational, maximizing station capacity, accelerating loading and unloading processes, and resolving challenges, with necessary decisions made.”
The Chamber of Commerce and Investment considers the construction of railway lines beneficial for Afghanistan’s trade, noting that the establishment of railways significantly reduces the cost of transporting commercial and transit goods.
Khan Jan Alokozai, a board member of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said: “This is one of the most critical needs. Currently, trade has reached a level where unless transportation and logistics are streamlined, trade cannot become cost-effective. Therefore, railways are essential.”
Zabihullah Islami, an economic expert, stated: “No matter how productive a country is, if it lacks transit routes, connections with other countries, and economic and trade relations, it cannot achieve development.”
The Hairatan-Balkh, Aqina-Andkhoi, and Herat-Khaf railways are considered among the active rail lines in the country. The Ministry of Public Works has emphasized that it has major plans in place to further develop these lines domestically.