New Multimodal Rail Route Connects China to Herat via Central Asia

Uzbekistan National Railways has announced the launch of a new multimodal transport corridor linking China through Central Asia to the city of Herat in western Afghanistan. According to Uzbek media reports on Wednesday, May 6, this transit corridor will facilitate container shipments and reduce delivery times.

According to reports, cargo transport along this route begins by train from China, passing through the Altinkol station in Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan. Afterward, the shipments are reloaded and transported by trucks from Turkmenistan to the city of Herat.

The total length of this route is approximately 7,400 kilometers, with an average delivery time estimated at around 30 days. Uzbek officials have stated that this new corridor can improve transport efficiency and accelerate the flow of goods.

Previously, most goods from China were shipped via sea to Iran’s Bandar Abbas port and then transported overland to Afghanistan. The creation of this new route offers an alternative option for traders.

Since the Taliban administration returned to power, Uzbekistan has expanded its economic and trade relations with the group. However, the lack of a clear legal framework and ongoing banking and international restrictions related to the Taliban administration remain major challenges for sustainable regional trade development with Afghanistan—a concern repeatedly emphasized by economic activists.