Mawlavi Abdul Karim Fattah, director general of the Afghanistan Railway Authority, attended the 14th Regional Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Astana, Kazakhstan, where regional railway projects, transit cooperation and cross-border passenger services were discussed.

The summit addressed the Afghan Trans railway and the Balkh-Herat-Kandahar railway projects, alongside efforts to expand rail freight capacity, digitalise transit procedures and attract investment in regional transport infrastructure.

On the sidelines of the summit, Fattah held talks with representatives from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and Iran on advancing joint railway projects and strengthening regional connectivity.

Discussions also focused on plans to launch passenger train services between Afghanistan and Iran, a move that could facilitate cross-border travel and further strengthen transport links between the two neighbouring countries.

The meetings reflect Afghanistan’s efforts to expand its railway network and strengthen its role as a regional transit hub connecting Central Asia, South Asia and the Middle East.

The development of railway corridors is expected to provide landlocked Afghanistan with improved access to regional markets, facilitate the movement of goods and create opportunities for trade and economic cooperation with neighbouring countries.

Greater railway connectivity could also help reduce transportation costs, diversify trade routes and strengthen economic ties among ECO member states. However, the progress of the proposed projects will depend on investment, infrastructure development and coordination among the participating countries. (ILKHA)