The Ministry of Public Works has announced an extension to the contract for the reconstruction of the Hairatan-Mazar-e-Sharif railway line in collaboration with Uzbekistan, Tolo news reported.
Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, spokesperson for the Ministry, confirmed that the contract has been extended by six months. This extension aims to facilitate the final phases of the railway's refurbishment, emphasizing bilateral cooperation between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan to enhance regional connectivity across Central and South Asia.
Reconstruction of the Hairatan-Mazar-e-Sharif railway, originally built in 2010, commenced on February 21 this year.
In a statement, the ministry highlighted the strategic importance of completing the Hairatan-Mazar-e-Sharif Railway project, stressing discussions on rail transfers and other vital bilateral issues between the two nations.
During recent talks with Uzbekistan's delegation on railway cooperation, the Deputy of Railways at the Ministry of Public Works also discussed initiatives such as providing scholarships to enhance the capacity of railway administration personnel and commencing technical surveys for the ambitious Trans-Afghan railway project.
Sakhi Ahmad Paiman, First Deputy of the Chamber of Industries and Mines, emphasized the pivotal role of regional cooperation and private sector involvement in advancing major railway infrastructure projects within Afghanistan.
"Central Asian nations recognize the importance of collaborative efforts involving private sector investment and regional integration. Initiating railway projects in Afghanistan will yield substantial benefits for the region," Sakhi Ahmad Paiman noted.
Economic experts anticipate that the reconstruction and expansion of the Hairatan-Mazar-e-Sharif railway will significantly bolster commercial transportation and stimulate economic growth in Afghanistan.
"A robust railway network is crucial for Afghanistan's economic expansion," Abdul Shakur Hadahwal noted, while Abdul Zahoor highlighted potential cost efficiencies with effective project management.
Earlier announcements from the ministry indicated plans to complete three major railway projects this year, including the Kandahar-Spin Boldak and Andkhoi-Sheberghan routes, alongside advancing the technical evaluation of the Trans-Afghan railway connecting Mazar-e-Sharif to Kharlachi, Pakistan.
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