A delegation from Iran, led by Jabbar Ali Zakeri, head of the country’s railway administration, has visited Afghanistan to explore connecting Iran’s railway network to China through Afghan territory, TOLOnews reported.
The primary focus of the project is the Herat–Balkh railway corridor, considered a vital transit route that would link Central Asian countries and China to Iran, Turkey, and Europe via Afghanistan.
Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, spokesperson for the Afghan Ministry of Public Works, stated: “This corridor plays a crucial and decisive role in promoting trade, facilitating regional transit, and strengthening economic connectivity among regional and global countries.”
The Iranian delegation met with the Economic Deputy of the Prime Minister’s Office, expressing Iran’s intention to extend its railway through Afghanistan to leverage the country’s strategic location and link China to Europe.
They proposed establishing a joint working group and initiating discussions with relevant companies to advance the project.
Hamdullah Fitrat, Deputy Spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, said: “The Economic Deputy of the Prime Minister’s Office had already discussed the importance of this project with Iran’s Vice President three years ago and had provided key information on its economic value. He emphasized the need to form a joint committee as soon as possible and to begin the project’s practical work.”
The Herat–Balkh railway corridor is considered one of the most important infrastructure projects. Turkey had previously expressed interest in participating in it, and Central Asian countries also aim to use the corridor to connect with South Asia and Europe.
