Pakistan,Uzbekistan,and Afghanistan Sign Tri-Nation Railway Link Project
On Tuesday, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan finalized a joint protocol for a significant railway project, aiming to connect Uzbekistan’s train network with Pakistan Railways (PR). The proposed route will run through Termiz in Uzbekistan, Mazar-e-Sharif and Logar in Afghanistan, and enter Pakistan via the Kharlachi border crossing in Kurram.
The signing ceremony, attended by Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique, Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, and other high-ranking officials from the three countries, marked a historic day for regional connectivity and trade facilitation. Minister Rafique highlighted the project’s significance, emphasizing its potential to enhance regional, transit, and bilateral trade, thereby strengthening connections among the people of the region.
The railway line is intended to cater to both passenger and freight services, playing a vital role in boosting regional trade and driving economic development. The finalization of the route followed a productive meeting of the trilateral working group in Islamabad, where representatives from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan agreed on a roadmap for technical studies, financing sources, and other essential aspects to expedite project implementation.
Anticipated to be completed by the end of 2027, the 760-kilometer rail line is expected to significantly reduce cargo delivery times between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, while also cutting transportation costs by at least 40%. Moreover, the three countries have already signed a strategic roadmap plan for constructing a 573-kilometer Trans-Afghan railway, connecting Central Asia to Arabian Sea ports, fostering future collaboration and expanding regional transportation networks.
Overall, this railway project holds tremendous potential for strengthening regional connectivity, promoting trade, and fostering closer ties between Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan.