A delegation representing the Railways Department of Uzbekistan recently embarked on a visit to Kabul, where they engaged in discussions with the leadership of the Afghan Railway Authority, to explore avenues for enhancing cooperation in the railway sector between the two nations, particularly the reduction of railway tariffs.
Discussion on Railway Tariffs
Led by Khikmatulla Rakhmetov, the first deputy chairman of the board of the joint-stock company "Uzbekiston Temir Yullari," the Uzbekistan delegation expressed a keen interest in bolstering railway transportation. Rakhmetov articulated Uzbekistan's proposal to reduce railway tariffs by 50%, aiming to stimulate increased transportation via railways.
During the discussions, plans were unveiled for the construction of a warehouse at the Naibabad station along the Hayratan-Mazari Sharif route. This infrastructure initiative is designed to facilitate the efficient loading and unloading of fruits and vegetables, enabling seamless transportation from Afghanistan to Central Asia, Europe, and beyond. The warehouse's strategic location aims to minimize delays and mitigate potential damages during transit.
Prior Engagements
The visit follows a series of prior engagements between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan in the realm of transportation and logistics. In February, Mullah Bakht ul Rehman Sharafat, the head of the Afghan National Railway Administration, visited Uzbekistan, laying the groundwork for collaborative efforts in the railway sector.
Further underscoring the commitment to bilateral cooperation, a meeting was held on December 27 between Ilhom Mahkamov, the Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan, and Hamidullah Akhundzada, the acting Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation of Afghanistan. The discussions revolved around various aspects aimed at fostering cooperation, including:
- Implementation of toll collection mechanisms and fees for car transportation based on parity
- Development of transit and bi-directional transportation routes traversing Afghanistan
- Provision of tariff rate concessions for railway transportation
Accelerating Railway Construction
Of particular significance was the deliberation on expediting the construction of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project. Both parties engaged in discussions to overcome logistical challenges and streamline the project's execution, emphasizing the pivotal role of this transnational railway network in bolstering regional connectivity and economic integration.
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