Kazakhstan: Trans-Afghan Railway Set to Reshape Regional Trade Routes
DID Press: Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the strategic importance of the Trans-Afghan Railway, describing it as a transformative project capable of redefining Central Asia’s position within international transport and trade networks. He called for practical coordination among transit countries and active involvement of regional financial institutions.
Speaking at the Eurasian Economic Union economic forum in Saint Petersburg, Tokayev said the Trans-Afghan Railway has the potential to disrupt traditional trade routes in the region by providing Central Asian countries with direct access to South Asian markets and beyond. Such a corridor, he noted, could significantly reduce reliance on longer and more costly existing routes.
Tokayev emphasized that effective utilization of the Trans-Afghan Railway requires strengthening and harmonizing rail capacities across all participating countries. According to him, without coordinated planning among Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, the project will not be able to fulfill its intended role in regional transit.
The Kazakh president also urged regional financial institutions—particularly the Eurasian Development Bank—to play a more active role in financing the project, stressing that organized and sustained financial support could accelerate implementation.
Meanwhile, media reports indicate that technical talks have begun among the countries along the route. These discussions reportedly focus on issues such as division of responsibilities, financing mechanisms, rail standardization, and the establishment of joint security frameworks.
According to these reports, one proposal under consideration is the creation of a “Transit Coordination Center” involving transit countries and regional financial institutions. The center would oversee project implementation, manage cargo flows, and help resolve potential disputes.
Experts believe that establishing such a mechanism could reduce operational risks associated with the Afghan route, boost investor confidence, and enable more effective coordination and faster decision-making among project stakeholders.