Iran Opens New Rail Route to Deliver Fuel to Afghanistan

DID Press: Iran has launched a new rail corridor for fuel exports to Afghanistan, following the departure of the first diesel shipment from Imam Khomeini Port to Herat. The inaugural fuel train officially began its journey today, marking the operational start of a new rail link between the two countries.

After being loaded at Imam Khomeini Port, the shipment travels more than 2,000 kilometers along Iran’s southern rail network, crossing into Afghanistan through the Shamtigh border point before reaching the Rozanak station near the city of Herat.

Gholamhossein Valadi, Director-General of Iran’s Southern Railway, announced that under current planning, around 7,000 tons of diesel will be sent to Afghanistan monthly using tanker wagons.

He said the new corridor will significantly reduce logistics costs and sharply cut transport time compared to road routes.

Valadi described the launch of the rail line as an important step toward expanding fuel exports and strengthening Iran’s regional transit role, adding that the Southern Railway is prepared to continue regular and stable operations to help meet a substantial portion of Afghanistan’s fuel needs.