Final Phase of Herat-Khawaf Railway Under Construction
The final section of the Herat-Khawaf railway, which connects the industrial town in Guzarah district, south of Herat city, is currently under construction. This crucial phase of the project is expected to cost over $54 million and plays a significant role in enhancing regional transit operations.
Tamim Rahimi, the project manager, stated that of the designated 47.3-kilometer route, nearly 20 kilometers are currently under implementation, with work proceeding according to plan. According to him, four officials from the Ministry of Public Works regularly inspect the site to ensure quality, conducting daily assessments.
Mohammad Yousuf Saeedi, spokesperson for the Herat governor, described the Herat-Khawaf railway as both a national and regional initiative. He emphasized that the local administration’s efforts are ongoing in coordination with Taliban central authorities. He added that the opening of the railway line would significantly increase export and import capacity in western Afghanistan.
In terms of quality control, engineers from the Ministry of Public Works are present on-site daily to inspect construction materials and monitor ongoing operations. According to Ali Bagheri, one of the engineers, the work is under constant and thorough supervision.
Currently, hundreds of workers are employed on the project. Some laborers stated that their involvement in the railway project has deterred them from seeking work in neighboring countries.
Previously, the first three sections of the Herat-Khawaf railway—up to the Rozanak Station in Ghoryan district—were constructed with Iranian investment. The fourth section, covering a distance of 78 kilometers, serves as the final link between Rozanak Station and the Guzarah industrial town.
Despite the project’s strategic importance for Afghanistan’s transportation infrastructure, concerns remain over the lack of transparency in the Taliban administration’s role and the long-term oversight and planning.
