Afghanistan Surveys, Designs 1,537km of Railway Lines
The Ministry of Public Works says survey and design work is underway for 1,537 kilometers of railway lines along five major routes in Afghanistan as part of efforts to expand the country’s railway network.
According to the ministry’s spokesperson, the projects are aimed at strengthening rail connectivity and transit, supporting economic growth, and enhancing Afghanistan’s role as a regional transit hub.
He added that, in addition to domestic funding, discussions are underway with commercial banks, several countries, and interested investors to secure financing for the construction of the railway lines.
Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works, said: “The ministry is currently conducting survey and design work for 1,537 kilometers of railway lines along the Torghundi–Herat, Herat–Kandahar, Kandahar–Spin Boldak, Kabul–Kandahar, and Andkhoy–Sheberghan routes.”
Expanding the railway network could reduce transportation costs, boost trade and transit, and further connect Afghanistan with regional markets.
However, achieving these goals will depend on securing financing, completing the projects, and maintaining regional cooperation.
Hasibullah Mohibzada, an economic analyst, said: “Developing transit routes, particularly railways, can help expand economic markets. If these routes are established and strengthened between Afghanistan and neighboring countries, they can play an important role in economic growth, increasing exports, and improving access to regional markets.”
Janat Fahim Chakari, another economic analyst, said: “Transporting goods and expanding trade links by rail is less costly. If we can develop the railway network for transporting goods within the country, it can help reduce transportation costs and commodity prices.”
Afghanistan currently has 400 kilometers of operational railway lines and is connected to Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Iran through the Hairatan, Aqina, Torghundi, and Khaf–Herat routes, which are used to transport goods to and from regional countries.
