Uzbekistan Calls for Swift Implementation of Afghan-Trans Railway Project
The President of Uzbekistan has called for the rapid implementation of the trilateral railway project “Afghan-Trans” linking Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated that connecting this project to the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway could transform regional transport infrastructure and economic cooperation.
He said: “We want the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan railway project to be designed and implemented as soon as possible. Linking this promising route with the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, which is currently under construction, will create major opportunities for establishing a new commercial and economic environment as well as a sustainable regional transport network.”
According to analysts, Afghanistan could greatly benefit by becoming a regional transit hub.
The Afghan-Trans project, which is intended to connect Uzbekistan to Pakistan through Afghanistan, could play a key role in strengthening regional trade relations and reducing the cost of goods transportation. With this railway passing through Afghan territory, the transit route between Central and South Asia would be significantly shorter and more cost-effective.
Abdul Jabbar Safi, head of the Kabul Industrialists Association, said: “The sooner work begins on this project, and the more facilitation is provided for the companies involved, the greater the benefit for Afghanistan. It would also create job opportunities for the people.”
Abdul Ghafar Nezami, an economic affairs expert, said: “Expanding railway connectivity will reduce the time wasted by traders using cargo trucks and also play a vital role in safeguarding commercial goods.”
Given the active stance of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan and the ongoing efforts to attract greater regional support, the Afghan-Trans project is expected to enter its implementation phase in the near future.
