Uzbekistan's Deputy Minister of Transport, Jasurbek Choriyev, has announced that the Trans-Afghan railway project is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2027. This endeavor aims to connect Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, facilitating crucial trade routes and bolstering regional connectivity.
During the III Tashkent International Investment Forum, Choriyev emphasized the importance of the project in the establishment of the Eurasian Transport Corridor. This corridor will provide Central Asian nations access to ports along the Indian Ocean, promising to reshape regional trade dynamics.
Choriyev highlighted the transformative impact of the railway, predicting a substantial reduction in delivery times for goods, from 35 days to a mere 5 days. Moreover, he estimated that the cost of goods delivery would plummet by at least 40%, offering economic benefits to participating countries.
Initially proposed by Uzbekistan in December 2018, the Trans-Afghan railway project outlines an extension of the Afghan rail network from Mazar-e-Sharif to Kabul and further to Paktia province. This extension is poised to integrate Afghanistan into broader regional trade networks, fostering economic development and stability in the region.
The estimated cost of constructing the Trans-Afghan railway stands at nearly $7bn, underlining the substantial investment required for such a transformative infrastructure project. However, its completion promises to unlock immense economic potential, stimulate trade, and promote cooperation among the involved nations.
The inauguration of the Termez-Mazar-e-Sharif railway in 2011 marked a significant milestone for Uzbekistan, providing a vital conduit to Afghanistan and offering alternative shipping pathways amidst global geopolitical uncertainties.
Although the Trans-Afghan Railway project had been on the agenda for some time, it gained considerable traction in 2019, particularly following deliberations between Pakistani officials and a delegation from Uzbekistan. Discussions primarily centered on the integration of Afghanistan's transport infrastructure with that of Pakistan, emphasizing logistical coordination.
Pakistan, with assistance from China, has been actively bolstering its transportation sector and boasts strategic ports such as Gwadar and Karachi. Uzbekistan aims to leverage the Trans-Afghan railway to establish a connection to Peshawar and ultimately to the port of Gwadar, representing a strategic objective for the nation.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)