Afghanistan has inaugurated the first phase of the fourth section of the strategically important Herat-Khaf railway, marking another step toward strengthening the country's regional transport and trade links.

The first phase of the 43-kilometre fourth section of the Herat-Khaf railway was officially opened during a ceremony attended by senior Afghan officials as well as representatives from neighbouring countries.

According to the Herat provincial governor's office, the newly inaugurated section was completed at a cost of approximately $58.5 million.

Project expected to boost regional trade

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in western Herat province, Governor Sheikh Mawlana Islamjar described the project as a major milestone in advancing Afghanistan's economic development and reinforcing Herat's position as a key regional hub for transportation, logistics and trade.

Officials said the newly operational railway section is expected to significantly strengthen Afghanistan's trade links with neighbouring countries while facilitating access to regional and European markets through Iran.

Construction is continuing on the second phase of the same section, which will add another 47 kilometres of railway at an estimated cost of more than $54 million.

Strategic transport corridor

The Herat-Khaf railway is regarded as one of the most important transport corridors connecting Afghanistan and Iran, while also linking Central and South Asia with wider international markets.

According to local media reports, officials from Kazakhstan and Iran attending the ceremony said completion of the railway would enhance trade, transit and economic cooperation among countries across the region.

Once completed, the approximately 225-kilometre cross-border railway will connect the Iranian city of Khaf with Afghanistan's Herat province, strengthening Afghanistan's integration into regional and global trade networks.

The railway will also provide Afghanistan with direct rail access through Iran to Türkiye and Central Asian countries, creating a transport corridor that extends onward to European markets and is expected to reduce transport costs and transit times for regional trade.(ILKHA)