Mohammad Hassan Akhund, the Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, chaired the eighth Cabinet meeting, during which several national development matters were discussed, including the gauge for the proposed Trans-Afghanistan Railway.
Following the meeting, the Cabinet approved the delegation’s report concerning the determination of the gauge for the new railway line extending from Hairatan to Spin Boldak. According to the government’s statement, the track gauge has been set at 1,520 mm, while also taking into consideration the 1,435 mm gauge to ensure compatibility with neighbouring railway systems.
In July 2025, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan signed a tripartite framework agreement in Kabul to initiate a feasibility study for the Trans-Afghan Railway project. This agreement aims to accelerate the planning and implementation of a corridor that could significantly enhance regional connectivity. In 2021, the three countries have also signed an agreement on the construction of the corridor.
Originally proposed by Uzbekistan in 2018, the corridor is intended to extend the railway from Mazar-e-Sharif to Kabul, continuing eastward to Nangarhar Province, crossing the Torkham border into Pakistan, and linking ultimately to Peshawar.
The proposed railway corridor, stretching over 700 km across Afghanistan, would provide a vital land bridge between Central Asia and the Arabian Sea, offering a shorter and more efficient route for trade and transit. With an estimated cost of USD 5–7 billion, the project represents one of the most ambitious infrastructure undertakings in the region. If completed, it could dramatically reduce transport times and costs, fostering greater economic integration between landlocked Central Asian states and international markets.
Beyond its economic significance, the Trans-Afghanistan Railway holds geopolitical importance. It has the potential to strengthen diplomatic ties among Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan by fostering collaboration in trade, logistics, and regional stability. For Afghanistan in particular, the project symbolises an opportunity to transition from being a landlocked country dependent on road transport to a key hub in a wider transcontinental network.
Furthermore, successful implementation of the railway would support job creation and stimulate investment in local industries, such as construction, mining, and logistics. However, challenges remain, including the need for security guarantees, sustainable financing, and modern infrastructure standards. If these issues are addressed effectively, the Trans-Afghanistan Railway could become a cornerstone of regional economic transformation and a model for cooperative development across South and Central Asia.
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