Railway agencies of Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan are currently in the final negotiations stage for the Trans-Afghan Railway Project. The large-scale corridor is reported to open up new prospects, especially in transport cooperation within the region. Moreover, it will enable for, the direct establishment of rail links between Pakistan and Uzbekistan through Afghanistan territory. This in turn, as reported by the Information and Analytical Media Center of Uzbekistan will provide more efficient trade. Additionally, the project is also said to result in elevated logistics.
As final stage of negotiations continue to take place, a project office is already present in Tashkent. A press release statement revealed that the hiring of an international consulting company will soon take place, for further negotiations with investors.
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The Trans-Afghan Railway Project Negotiations
According to an official statement, ongoing negotiations held discussions highlighting several aspects of the Trans-Afghan Railway Project. These included construction and technical details, as well as methods of attracting financing. In addition to delivery and implementation deadlines.
At an estimate, the project cost stands at $5.96 billion. it will potentially boost regional trilateral trade by creating access to Pakistan’s major seaports. Beyond transport efficiency elevation, the Trans-Afghan Railway Project is also highlighted to strengthen economic and political ties between the three countries.
Along the Termez-Mazar-I-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar route, the railway line length will stretch 774 kilometers. News outlets further report that the project will feature 1,212 facilities in total. These will include without limitation to 5 tunnels and 336 bridges. Additionally, the mega-development will also feature 790 kilometers of communication lines as well as 785 kilometers of power lines.
Board of Investment (BOI) Chairman and Minister of State noted that the railway development project impressively connects Central Asia with Pakistani ports including, Qasim, Karachi, and Gwadar. Muhammad Azfar Ahsan also added that the Trans-Afghan Railway Project serves as the most shortest and economical route in the region.
