The transport ministries of Russia and Uzbekistan, along with Russian Railways and Uzbekistan Railways (Uzbekiston Temir Yullari), have signed a series of documents to kick off the practical phase of the Trans-Afghan railway project, according to Russia’s Ministry of Transport.
The signing follows high-level agreements reached between Moscow and Tashkent in 2024. The project’s technical and economic feasibility study is set to begin this year, with Russian and Uzbek engineering firms collaborating to analyze potential freight volumes and the railway’s economic viability.
Two route options have been outlined:
Mazar-i-Sharif – Herat – Delaram – Kandahar – Chaman, and Termez – Naibabad – Logar – Kharlachi.
The first project session involving experts from Pakistan Railways and a Afghan delegation is scheduled for May 15–16, 2025, during the Russia–Islamic World forum in Kazan.
Originally proposed in 2021 by Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, the railway was delayed due to political instability in Afghanistan. Preliminary route assessment resumed in 2022. The full line is expected to span 573 km, with a projected annual transit capacity of 20 million tons.
Cost estimates vary widely — Uzbek figures put it at $4.6 billion, while Pakistan’s projections are as high as $8.2 billion. Construction is expected to take at least five years, with Uzbekistan aiming to break ground in 2025.
The corridor is envisioned as a strategic trade route connecting Europe, Russia, Central and South Asia, and eventually Southeast Asia, offering a major boost to regional connectivity and economic integration.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Federation Council
Based on materials from TASS