The Russian Railway Company announced that the technical and economic feasibility study of the Trans Afghanistan Railway Project is currently underway, with the participation of experts from Russia and Uzbekistan. The project aims to establish a railway corridor connecting Central Asia and South Asia through Afghanistan, expanding regional cross-border transportation and trade. The Vice President of Russian Railways stated at the CIS Railway Transport Council meeting that the project plan is being refined and all parties are completing technical evaluations.

Planning a total length of 573 kilometers to connect the three countries

According to the plan, the total length of the Trans Afghan Railway is about 573 kilometers, starting from Temez in Uzbekistan, passing through Mazar-i-Sharif and Kabul in Afghanistan, and finally connecting to Peshawar in Pakistan. The project can connect to the China Kyrgyzstan Uzbekistan Railway to the north and connect to the Pakistani railway network to Gwadar Port to the south, which will enhance Afghanistan's hub position in the Central Asia South Asia trade and transportation network.

The Three Kingdoms Agreement lays the foundation for the restart of the project

The Afghan Ministry of Public Works has stated that it is ready to initiate technical research domestically. Previously, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan had signed a memorandum of understanding on technology research and selected specialized companies to carry out research work. The project roadmap was first signed by the three countries in Tashkent in February 2021, but was hindered by the situation in Afghanistan. In 2025, the three countries signed a feasibility study agreement in Kabul, laying the foundation for the restart of the project. Keywords: Infrastructure Engineering News Network, Cross border Railway

Experts point out the need for stability and transparent contracts

Economic experts point out that the completion of the railway will enhance Afghanistan's position as a regional transportation hub. Under current conditions, Russian cooperation is crucial for the development of trade routes in Afghanistan. Experts emphasize that the successful implementation of such large-scale infrastructure projects relies on stability, transparent contracts, and specialized management, which have been the main challenges faced by projects in recent years.Editor/Gao Xue