Afghanistan and Iran Discuss Expanding Rail Transport Capacity to 100,000 Tons per Month
Officials from Afghanistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran have announced talks to enhance bilateral cooperation in rail transport, aiming to increase freight capacity on the railway line to 100,000 tons per month.
According to a report by Mehr News Agency, the Executive Director of Iran’s Railway Organization met with the acting Minister of Mines and Petroleum in the Taliban administration to discuss expanding technical and strategic collaborations in the rail sector and forging deeper connections. Jabbar Ali Zakari stated that necessary coordination with Afghanistan’s Railway Organization has been made to significantly increase loading and cargo exchange capacity in the near future.
The Iranian official, who is also the Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development, emphasized the importance of developing rail transport for Afghanistan’s economic progress and described the Herat–Mazar-i-Sharif railway project as the first phase of the Iran–Afghanistan–China Corridor.
Iranian media also quoted the acting Minister of Mines and Petroleum of the Taliban administration saying that the Khaf–Herat railway plays an effective role in the continuous supply of needed goods for Afghanistan and its performance has been well received.
Reports indicate that both parties have agreed to establish working groups and joint committees to set the operational framework for joint projects in railways and mineral exploration.
Economic analyst Younus Zadaran underlines that with the closure of Afghanistan–Pakistan routes, the need for alternative pathways has increased, and Iran has been able to connect Afghanistan to international waters and regional markets through its ports—a process that continues with efforts to expand trade relations.
