China Launches Direct Rail Freight Route to Afghanistan

DID Press: The first direct rail freight shipment from China to Afghanistan has arrived in Herat via Iran’s railway network and the Khaf–Herat Corridor, marking a significant step toward strengthening regional trade connectivity and eliminating the need for cargo reloading en route.

The inaugural shipment, consisting of 500 tonnes of MDF boards, was loaded in Beijing and transported through Turkmenistan and Iran before reaching Rozanak Station in Herat without requiring unloading or reloading during transit.

The director of the Iran–Afghanistan Railway Corridor described the development as a major milestone, saying the route has been designed to significantly reduce transportation time and logistics costs.

He added that the corridor has the potential to become one of the region’s most strategic trade routes, linking China, Central Asia, Iran, and Afghanistan, while playing a key role in expanding regional commerce.