Bishkek, Dec. 23, 2025. /Kabar/. Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkiye have agreed to jointly build the Herat-Mazar-i-Sharif railway. According to reports, the project is estimated to cost $10 million during the feasibility study stage (March 2026), with the first test freight shipments scheduled for 2027.
In an interview with Kabar, political scientist and director of the Center for Eurasian Strategic Studies Bakyt Zhumagulov discussed the advantages of the Herat-Mazar-i-Sharif railway.
According to Bakyt Zhumagulov, the project has high economic value, as it opens up access to the global market through Afghanistan. The number of transit routes is declining, and exports and imports will grow.
"This project forms a trade corridor between Central Asia, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkiye, and Europe. It will significantly facilitate cargo transportation and reduce transit times. At the same time, the project has geopolitical and regional advantages. It will contribute to Afghanistan's integration into the regional economy. Regarding the role of Iran and Turkiye, their positions as transport hubs will be strengthened, increasing the influence of Central Asia. The socioeconomic significance of the project is also significant: thousands of jobs will be created, and the development of cities and regions through which the railway passes will accelerate. Overall, this project will help shape long-term global interests," he said.
From this perspective, Kyrgyzstan's transit opportunities are also expanding: cargo from China will be able to reach new major markets through our country. According to the expert, this railway line will create a China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan route, from where cargo flows can travel through Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Iran to Turkiye, and then on to Europe.