The Ministry of Public Works announced on Thursday the signing of contracts for the detailed design of the Kandahar-Herat railway worth 264 million afghani.
Mohammad Ashraf Haqshinas, the spokesman for the ministry, stated that these contracts have been signed with five domestic companies, and the design will be completed in eight months.
The Ministry’s spokesman said regarding these contracts: “Contracts worth 264 million afghani have been signed with five different companies for the design of the Kandahar-Herat railway, covering about 737 kilometers, and the work will be completed in eight months.”
According to Haqshinas, after the design phase is completed, the implementation phase of the project will begin.
Economic experts also believe that the development of the railway network could be beneficial for Afghanistan’s economy.
They say that the expansion of the railway network not only reduces transportation costs but also provides a suitable platform for attracting both domestic and foreign investments.
Abdul Zahoor Madber, an expert on economic issues, said: “Afghanistan’s railways will turn into a vital connection point between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, offering strategic opportunities to Afghanistan and other concerned countries, creating effective demand in the Afghan markets and increasing people’s purchasing power.”
“Afghanistan is a landlocked country, and when we connect to the railway network, we can actually reach new markets and sell our products,” said Abdul Naseer Rashtia, another economic expert.
Currently, Afghanistan, with over 260 kilometers of railway network, serves as a bridge for the transfer of goods from Iran, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, and this new project could play a significant role in facilitating trade and enhancing Afghanistan’s geographic position.