- Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan Railways project
Islamabad: Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan Railways project, a rail link connecting the Uzbek rail network with Pakistan Railways, was launched in February 2021.
Three countries agreed to build a railway line across Afghanistan to connect Central Asia with Pakistani ports; Karachi and Gwadar Port, at an estimated cost of $4.8bn.
In July 2023, the three countries signed a protocol during their meeting in Pakistan that delineated the route of the project running from Termiz, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan’s Mazar-i-Sharif and Logar provinces, and culminating in Pakistan via the Kharlachi border crossing in the Kurram district, of KPK.
The route for Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan Railways project will pass through Termiz city in Uzbekistan, Mazar-i-Sharif and Logar regions in Afghanistan, and culminate in Pakistan via the Kharlachi border crossing in Kurram.
On numerous political, diplomatic and economic forums, leaders from three partner countries have expressed their commitments for early implementation of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railways project, which is expected to give boost to bilateral and regional trade and become a bridge between South and Central Asia.”
The railway project, spanning 760kms, is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027, with the capability to transport up to 15 million tonnes of goods annually by 2030.
Experts view this rail link will notably decrease cargo delivery time between Uzbekistan and Pakistan by around five days, while also slashing transportation costs by at least 40 per cent.
This railway connectivity project is highly significant component to boost land linkages between South and Central Asia for increasing trade, economic and cultural ties.
Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan Railways project is expected to provide access to Uzbekistan to Pakistani ports, besides creating opportunities of economic cooperation, trade, investment in the region damaged by terrorism and wars.
According to railway officials, the line will support both passenger and freight services.
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