The Trans-Afghan railway project represents an initiative aimed at forging a critical transportation link between the railway networks of Central and South Asia. A memorandum was inked on February 20 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan's capital. This pact marked the commencement of preparations for the feasibility study of the Trans-Afghan railway, with representatives from key stakeholders lending their signatures to propel the project forward.
The signing ceremony, held in Tashkent, saw the participation of prominent figures representing various entities integral to the project. Bakht ar-Rehman Sharafat, the acting head of Afghanistan's railway department, represented the Taliban, signifying their involvement in this endeavor. Alongside him were Ilkhom Makhkamov, the Minister of Transport for Uzbekistan, and the head of the transport company ADL-Ulanish, a joint venture between Uzbek SEG Enera and the Emirati AD Ports Group.
Crucially, it was agreed that ADL-Ulanish would shoulder the responsibility of conducting the feasibility study for the Trans-Afghan railway project, undertaking the task at its own expense. The outcomes of this study are slated to be shared with Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, with the aim of attracting much-needed investment for the project's realization. Moreover, plans have been outlined for the continuation of negotiations in an expanded 5-party online format, with Qatar and the UAE joining the discussions, underscoring the international interest and support for this initiative.
The timeline for the completion of the feasibility study has been adjusted, with the previous deadline of mid-2023 now extended to July 2024. This extension reflects the complexities involved in such a transformative project and allows for a more comprehensive assessment of the technical, economic, and logistical aspects associated with the Trans-Afghan railway.
The Trans-Afghan railway project holds immense potential for bolstering trade, facilitating the movement of goods and people, and fostering regional cooperation. Spanning across Afghanistan, the railway is envisioned to connect key cities and serve as a vital artery for economic growth in the region. Additionally, it is anticipated to provide a much-needed lifeline for landlocked Afghanistan, offering access to global markets and reducing dependence on existing transit routes.
The Trans-Afghan railway project seeks to establish a vital transport route connecting the railway systems of Central and South Asia. This initiative gained momentum when Kazakhstan indicated its willingness to engage in the construction of the Mazar-i-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar railway in 2022.
In February 2023, Uzbekistan and Pakistan revealed intentions to accelerate the development of the Trans-Afghan railway, indicating a mutual dedication to enhancing regional connectivity. This initiative gained momentum, leading to a quadrilateral gathering on December 7, 2024, where transportation ministries from Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Qatar, alongside railway administrative leaders, discussed plans for implementing the railway construction project.
Further strengthening their bilateral relations, on December 27, Uzbekistan's Minister of Transport, Ilhom Mahkamov, engaged in talks with a delegation headed by Hamidullah Akhundzada, the acting Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation of Afghanistan. Various aspects of collaboration in transportation and logistics were addressed, including toll collection mechanisms, transit development through Afghanistan, and tariff concessions for railway transportation. Additionally, both sides explored strategies to expedite the construction of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)