Going beyond a conventional transport project, the Trans-Afghan Railway is a strategic initiative to strengthen regional integration between Central and South Asia.

The project, which is extremely important for Uzbekistan, can be considered one of the key elements of the new Silk Road, designed to catalyze economic growth and increase mutual understanding between the region’s countries. Our landlocked country seeks to use it as an opportunity to expand trade, improve its transport hubs, strengthen export flows, and deepen economic ties with its closest neighbors and the world community.

The Idea of Creation

The noble idea of creating a Trans-Afghan Railway was first raised in the early 2000s, a time when several countries, driven by a shared vision of progress, needed a reliable transport corridor to stimulate regional trade and economic growth.

On February 5, 2017, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan reached an agreement on the construction of this railway. In December 2018, representatives of the railway administrations of Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan met in Tashkent, where an agreement was signed on forming a joint working group and financial consortium for project implementation.

In 2020, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev approved the plan to construct the Mazar-i-Sharif – Kabul – Peshawar railway. In the same year, the corresponding roadmap was signed in Tashkent.

Then, in November 2022, Uzbekistan proposed creating an international transport corridor (ITC) “Belarus – Russia – Kazakhstan – Uzbekistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan”. In 2023, several agreements were approved to accelerate the railway line’s construction. In addition to the main participants – Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan – Qatar and the United Arab Emirates provided significant support in its activation by investing in and providing technical expertise.

Technical Details and Investments

The Trans-Afghan Railway is a strategic project that includes the construction of approximately 600 kilometers of railway tracks. The main route will pass through the territory of Uzbekistan (Termez), Afghanistan (Mazar-i-Sharif, Kabul), and end in Pakistan (Peshawar). This situation will allow the railway networks of the three countries to be connected.

According to information discussed during trilateral negotiations with the participation of representatives of Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, the project is estimated at $5 billion. It is expected that the railway line will be able to transport up to 20 million tons of cargo annually, making it one of the key routes in the region.

Construction investments are multilateral, with active participation from both the public and private sectors. Qatar and the United Arab Emirates play a vital role in financing and technical support for the Trans-Afghan Railway project, which sees in its implementation not only economic benefits but also a strategic strengthening of ties with Central Asia. Through ADL Ulanish, the UAE is engaged in technical research and investment activities.

Qatar and the United Arab Emirates’ participation reflects multilateral interest and provides support for the project in the international arena. Qatar, for example, made important contributions through discussions to the development of plans for the financing and construction of the railway.

A vital component of the project is the use of modern technologies and materials in construction, which will ensure the high reliability and durability of the railway infrastructure. Implementing the Trans-Afghan Railway involves creating new jobs. It contributes to the development of related sectors of the economies of the participating countries, especially in key sectors such as construction, transport, and logistics.

Strategic and Economic Importance

With significant economic and strategic potential, the Trans-Afghan Railway represents a key piece in the regional development puzzle of Central and South Asia. This project strengthens transport infrastructure and contributes to deepening economic integration between the region’s countries, which is critical to increasing their overall competitiveness in the international arena. In addition, it supports reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan, promoting the country’s economic development after prolonged conflicts.

The construction of this highway will significantly reduce the time and cost of delivering goods between Central Asia and the ports of the Arabian Sea, strengthening trade flows and increasing the export potential of the countries participating in the project.

As already mentioned, at the strategic level, the Trans-Afghan Railway strengthens Uzbekistan’s position as a transport and logistics hub. It is essential in implementing broader geopolitical initiatives such as the Belt and Road. The railway also integrates with other major regional transport projects, including China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway line.

Beyond its direct impact on participating countries, the Trans-Afghan Railway is part of a broader strategy to improve regional integration. It reflects significant international efforts like the Belt and Road Initiative, which seeks to strengthen infrastructure connectivity and economic interaction across the Eurasian continent. The railway project also interacts with other major infrastructure initiatives, such as the China – Pakistan corridor, which deepens ties between South and Central Asia.

Challenges and Prospects

Despite the significant economic and strategic benefits, the Trans-Afghan Railway project faces several serious challenges that may affect its successful implementation.

Security. The main factor of concern is the situation in Afghanistan. The constant threat of terrorism and instability in the region could seriously hamper the construction and operation of the railway.

Financing. Despite support from countries such as Qatar and the UAE, as well as agreements with other key partners, securing the required level of funding remains a critical issue. Volatility in the global economy and regional conflicts may affect countries’ willingness and ability to invest in such large-scale projects.

Logistics and infrastructure. The project requires the coordinated work of many countries, including harmonizing technical standards, customs, and transportation procedures. The existing infrastructure must be modernized and integrated, a complex and costly task.

What benefits can the Trans-Afghan Railway bring to the countries involved and the region?

Strengthening economic integration. The railway will promote economic growth and development between Central and South Asian countries by opening up new trade routes and markets.

Political stabilization. Successful implementation of the project can contribute to political stabilization in Afghanistan, as economic development and job creation positively impact society.

Enhancing cooperation. The project can become a country platform for global collaboration, including not only the Central Asian states, but also the broader international context.

Overcoming these obstacles will require concerted efforts from all interested countries and international partners. Effective project management, including explicit coordination, resource allocation, and local problem-solving, will be critical to the endeavor’s success.

Further Steps and Conditions for Implementation

The Trans-Afghan Railway project, which aims to connect Central and South Asia, continues to gain momentum. Recent agreements and active international diplomacy support it.

Recently, the Taliban in Afghanistan, in cooperation with the governments of Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates, signed a memorandum to begin studies aimed at testing the project’s viability. This event was a logical continuation of the meeting held on February 19 in Tashkent, when delegations from Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and the UAE discussed technical, financial, and strategic aspects of the construction of the railway corridor.

In addition, the project received additional impetus thanks to the quadrilateral meeting held on February 6, 2024, attended by the ministers of transport of Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Qatar. As part of this meeting, the main routes and modalities for its implementation were approved. Construction of the railway is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, and by 2030, it will be able to transport up to 15 million tons of cargo per year.

Meanwhile, the necessary conditions for the implementation of the Trans-Afghan Railway are determined:

International cooperation. Deepening dialogue between participating countries and international donors to ensure continued support and funding for the project. This includes not only material support but also technical expertise and assistance in the areas of security and logistics.

Strengthening security measures. Development of comprehensive measures to ensure safety at all project stages, including construction and subsequent operation of the railway line. It is possible to create specialized units to monitor and respond to threats.

Construction and modernization of infrastructure. Start and intensification of construction work with the involvement of local and international contractors. Development of related infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and tunnels and improvement of existing railway junctions.

Transparency and reporting. Establishing clear transparency and accountability criteria for all project participants to ensure effective project management. Development of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms that will track progress and promptly adjust the strategy for its implementation.

The Trans-Afghan Railway’s importance for Uzbekistan and its partners cannot be overestimated. The signing of the memorandum for the viability study is evidence of international recognition of the project’s importance and belief in its potential. This is the beginning of a new era of regional cooperation that could bring economic benefits and political stability to a region historically marked by conflict and instability. In this context, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan must coordinate their efforts to maximize the project’s potential.

A. Khidirov, UzA