KABUL: In a major advancement, the second phase of the fourth section of the Herat-Khaf railway line construction has officially commenced.
The project aims to enhance Afghanistan’s connectivity to international markets, facilitating trade routes through Iran to Turkey and Europe.
Mawlavi Bakhtul Rahman Sharafat, the Deputy Minister of Public Works, announced that the Herat-Khaf railway comprises four sections. Two of these sections span 73 kilometers within Iranian territory, while the remaining two sections cover 152 kilometers within Afghan territory.
Mawlavi Sharafat further elaborated that the railway line begins in Rabat Paryan village in Zindajan and ends at Herat Airport. Upon the completion of this phase, the Herat-Khaf railway will become operational, facilitating a direct connection between Herat’s industrial town and European countries via Iran.
Meanwhile, Mawlavi Hayatullah Mohajir Farahi, the Deputy Governor of Herat, described the completion of this project as one of the great aspirations of the people of Herat. He emphasized the importance of ensuring both speed and quality in its execution.
Additionally, Hamidullah Khadem, the head of the Herat Chamber of Industries and Mines, underscored the importance of railway lines in enhancing commercial transportation. He highlighted the ambition of Afghan investors to integrate into the global trade network.
On the other hand, Zia-ur-Rahman Farahi, the head of the contracting company Gamma, discussed the upcoming standard construction of the railway line. He mentioned that the project spans 47 kilometers and is scheduled for completion between June 7th and 13th. Additionally, a terminal will be constructed alongside the railway line at a cost of five million dollars.
According to officials from the Ministry of Public Works, a total of 5,003 kilometers of railway lines are planned for construction in Afghanistan. To date, technical surveys have been completed for 3,000 kilometers of this planned network.
It is worth mentioning that the Herat-Khaf railway is being constructed by Gamma Group at a cost of 53 million dollars.
