The countries of Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkey have reached an agreement to jointly construct a new railway line between Herat and Mazar-i-Sharif. Currently, the project is at the stage of a feasibility study, which costs 10 million dollars, and the launch of the first test cargo flights is planned for 2027.
Political scientist Bakyt Jumagulov, who is the director of the Eurasian Strategic Research Center, shared his opinion with the Kabar agency about the significance of this project.
“The project will create a trade corridor linking Central Asia, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, and Europe. This will significantly simplify cargo transportation and reduce the time required for transit. Moreover, it has important geopolitical and regional advantages, facilitating Afghanistan's integration into the regional economy. The role of Iran and Turkey as transport hubs will be strengthened, which will enhance the significance of Central Asia. The socio-economic consequences will also be substantial: thousands of jobs will be created, and the development of cities and regions through which the line will pass will accelerate. Overall, the project will create long-term global interests,” he noted.
