Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan Railway Project

The Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan Railway Project is an extensive project undertaking with the objective of creating a direct railway link between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, passing through Afghanistan's territory. This project aims to enhance trade and logistics efficiency by establishing a 573-km rail connection that would connect Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, to Kabul and Peshawar, the capitals of Afghanistan and a province of Pakistan, respectively.[1][2][3][4]

Pakistan-Afghanistan-Uzbekistan railway
Overview
StatusProposed
OwnerUzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan
LocaleUzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan
Termini
Service
TypePassenger and freight
Technical
Line length573 km (356 mi)

Project Details

The estimated cost of the project is US$4.8 billion, and its implementation is anticipated to strengthen trade relations between Pakistan and South Asia.[5] The trilateral agreement spanning 760 kilometers was signed by Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan, aiming to significantly reduce cargo delivery times between Uzbekistan and Pakistan by approximately five days.[6]

The railway route will traverse through Termez, Mazar-i-Sharif, and Logar in Afghanistan, and continue to the Kharlachi border crossing in Pakistan's northwestern Kurram district. Designed to facilitate both passenger and freight services, the railway is poised to foster regional trade and contribute to overall economic growth in the area.[6]

Gauge

Three different gauges are involved:

  • Iran in the West (1435mm)
  • Afghanistan in the middle (1435mm)
  • Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan in the North (1520mm) with dual gauge (1435mm) to bypass two breaks of gauge.
  • Pakistan in the South (1676mm)
  • China in the East (1435mm)

References
  1. "Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan finalize talks on major railway project dispatch". Trend.Az. July 23, 2023.
  2. "Pak, Afghan & Uzbek sign 573km connecting railway". July 19, 2023.
  3. "Joint protocol on tri-nation rail link signed". Tribune.com.pk. 2023-07-19. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
  4. Ahmed, Amin (July 18, 2023). "Trans-Afghan railway to connect Uzbekistan with Pakistan". DAWN.COM.
  5. February 28, 2023 (2023-02-28). "Regional connectivity via Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-Railway Corridor". Daily Times. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
  6. "Tripartite railway project to reduce Pak-Uzbekistan cargo time by 5 days". July 22, 2023.
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