Despite facing funding, technical, and political challenges, Afghanistan’s Taliban government harbors grand ambitions for its railway network. With plans to revive dormant projects and connect with neighboring countries like Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Iran, the Taliban aims to establish vital economic corridors. The Trans-Afghan Railway, a long-envisioned initiative, seeks to link Central Asia with South Asia, facilitating the transportation of goods across borders.
Additionally, a railway line connecting Herat to Iran promises to provide Afghanistan with access to the sea, potentially transforming its economy. While foreign financial support and technical assistance are essential, Afghanistan’s railways hold the promise of enhancing trade and connectivity, albeit amid complex geopolitical dynamics and logistical hurdles.