Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey Hold Talks to Expand Khaf-Herat Railway
Mohammad Esaq Sahebzada, Deputy Minister for Railways in the Taliban-led Ministry of Public Works, traveled to Turkey to attend three international rail transit forums. He participated in the 36th Regional Railway Conference organized by the International Union of Railways, the ninth meeting of the transit working group via the Regional Office of the Middle East, and a trilateral meeting with officials from Turkey and Iran.
According to the spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Works, the trilateral meeting emphasized the strategic importance of establishing a joint railway line connecting Afghanistan, Turkey, and Iran. Turkish officials highlighted Afghanistan’s geographical location and proposed the integration of Turkish and Iranian rail networks with China through Afghan territory.
The three nations agreed to extend the existing Khaf–Herat railway line to Mazar-i-Sharif. This project is seen as a vital transport corridor linking East Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The proposed route is being promoted as a promising option for boosting regional trade and transit.
While infrastructure development is critical for Afghanistan’s economic growth, the lack of legal governance and the monopolistic practices of the Taliban administration have sparked concerns among citizens and experts over transparency, security, and equitable access to the benefits of such projects.
