The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation of Afghanistan has reported a more than 33 percent increase in rail cargo transfers during the first 11 months of the current solar year 1404 (March 2025 to February 2026) compared to the same period last year.
Kabul 24: This significant growth highlights substantial progress in the country’s railway transport sector and the strengthening of transit infrastructure under the Islamic Emirate administration.
Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation, stated: “From the beginning of the month of Hamal (March 21, 2025) until the end of the month of Dalw (February 19, 2026), more than 5 million metric tons of goods have been transported via the country’s four main railway border terminals.”He explained that these shipments included petroleum products, non-petroleum commodities, minerals, dried fruits, construction materials, and other commercial items.
The transfers were carried out primarily through the Hairatan (linking to Uzbekistan), Aqina (Turkmenistan), Torghundi (Turkmenistan), and Khaf–Herat (Iran) railway corridors.Haqshenas noted that in the month of Dalw alone, 726,560 metric tons of cargo were moved, with a portion dedicated to exports.
During that single month, more than 2,353 tons of export goods—such as dried fruits, pomegranate juice, and various minerals—were dispatched to neighboring countries.
The spokesperson emphasized that since the Islamic Emirate assumed power, several major railway development and expansion projects have been launched.
Some of these initiatives have already been completed, while others remain ongoing. These efforts encompass extending existing lines, upgrading border terminal facilities, increasing rolling stock capacity, and improving overall operational efficiency.
This achievement has contributed to higher national revenue, created additional employment opportunities, and strengthened Afghanistan’s position as a regional transit hub.
The marked rise in rail freight volumes compared to previous years reflects improved management, better coordination, and enhanced productivity in the transport sector.Analysts believe that sustaining this momentum—combined with the completion of new railway projects—could position Afghanistan as a key transit corridor connecting Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East.
Such developments would support long-term economic stability, boost regional trade, and attract greater foreign investment in infrastructure.
