Rail Cargo Volumes Triple Year-on-Year, Taliban Ministry Says

DID Press: Taliban-run Ministry of Public Works says more than one million tons of petroleum and non-petroleum goods were transported through Afghanistan’s railway network during the month of April–May 2026, marking a significant increase in freight activity.

According to the ministry, rail cargo volumes during the month were nearly three times higher than those recorded during the same period last year, reflecting what officials described as substantial growth in the country’s trade and transit sectors.

The ministry attributed the increase to the expansion of railway infrastructure, higher levels of imports and exports, and growing utilization of rail transport for commercial shipments.

Officials said the broader use of rail networks could play a key role in facilitating regional trade, reducing transportation costs, and improving connectivity between Afghanistan and neighboring markets.

The announcement comes as Afghanistan seeks to strengthen its position as a regional transit corridor, with increased attention being given to transport infrastructure as a driver of economic activity and cross-border commerce.

Analysts note that rail transport is increasingly viewed as a cost-effective alternative for moving large volumes of goods, particularly as regional countries seek more efficient trade routes across Central and South Asia.