Kabul – The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation of Afghanistan has officially announced the start of construction for a modern cargo terminal at the Hairatan crossroads in Balkh province.In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the ministry said the project, valued at 850 million Afghanis, began on Thursday (17 Thawr 1405 / May 7, 2026).
Kabul 24: The initiative aims to build a fully equipped, state-of-the-art cargo terminal in northern Afghanistan to significantly boost the country’s transit and commercial transport capacity.The project will be implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP) model and is expected to be completed within two years.
It will be constructed on approximately 1,000 jeribs of land, providing ample space for various facilities and infrastructure.According to the ministry, the new Hairatan Cargo Terminal will include a two-story administrative building, organized parking areas for light and heavy vehicles, company offices, a modern repair workshop, warehouses, advanced security systems, and all necessary logistical amenities.
The terminal is designed in line with international standards to enhance efficiency, security, and transparency in cargo handling.Hairatan, located on the Afghanistan-Uzbekistan border, has long served as a vital gateway for trade and transit between Afghanistan and Central Asian countries. Officials believe the new terminal will reduce cargo loading and unloading times, streamline customs procedures, and improve overall logistics performance in the region.
This project forms part of the Afghan government’s broader strategy to develop transportation infrastructure, strengthen the national economy, and attract private sector investment in the logistics sector.
Authorities expect the terminal to substantially increase trade volume through the Hairatan corridor, generate new employment opportunities for local residents, and position Afghanistan as a more effective transit hub in the region.
Upon full completion, the Hairatan Cargo Terminal is anticipated to become one of the key logistical centers in northern Afghanistan, playing a strategic role in connecting the country to regional and international trade networks.
