Fifth Port of Hairatan–Mazar-i-Sharif Railway Reopens After Renovation
Officials from the Taliban’s Public Works Directorate have announced the reopening of the fifth port of the Hairatan–Mazar-i-Sharif railway following the completion of reconstruction work, at a cost of 6.3 million US dollars. This port is located on one of the country’s most important trade corridors and plays a key role in the transfer of goods between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.
At the ceremony marking the resumption of the terminal’s operations, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban administration’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, emphasized the expansion of economic ties with Uzbekistan. He also stated that in the future, travel between the two countries might be possible without the need for visas or passports, expressing hope that an agreement on this matter could be reached.
However, the implementation of such a plan requires formal bilateral agreements and clear legal mechanisms—an issue that, given the political situation of the Taliban administration and existing challenges in international relations, demands further clarification from the authorities.
The Minister of Public Works also announced ongoing programs to develop the country’s railway network. He noted that assessments are underway for 657 kilometers of the Hairatan–Herat railway, in cooperation with Uzbekistan, as well as for 878 kilometers of the Herat–Kandahar railway, funded by his ministry’s budget.
Private sector representatives at the ceremony described the expansion of the railway network as vital to increasing trade exchanges, reducing costs and transit times for goods, and boosting investment. Economic experts stress that expanding transport infrastructure can positively impact trade and employment in the country, provided that these programs are implemented pragmatically and sustainably.
