TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 23. A new railway
logistics facility has officially opened in Afghanistan following
the completion of construction and restoration work on the
Hairatan–Mazar-i-Sharif railway line, Trend reports via the Uzbek Railways.


The inauguration ceremony on May 21 celebrated the launch of
Railway Port No. 5, a dry terminal specifically designed for the
reception, unloading, temporary storage, and distribution of rail
cargo.


Dignitaries from Uzbekistan and Afghanistan were present at the
event, emphasizing the significance of enhancing rail connectivity
and logistics infrastructure to bolster regional transportation
networks.


During the ceremony, the terminal welcomed its inaugural freight
train, with unloading activities commencing right away, thus
initiating comprehensive operations at the facility.


In parallel to this event, Zufar Narzullaev, Chairman of Uzbek
Railways, engaged in discussions with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar,
Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs. Their
conversations centered on enhancing the capacity of the
Hairatan–Mazar-i-Sharif route and broadening associated
infrastructure.







Special emphasis was placed on the initiative to build an
additional 1,650-meter railway spur at the Naibabad station, which
is intended to enhance wagon-handling capacity, minimize downtime,
and boost the overall efficiency of this transport hub.


Afghan officials have directed the relevant agencies to
facilitate the prompt execution of technical and construction
activities in collaboration with their Uzbek counterparts. They
have also indicated their willingness to increase cargo throughput
and ensure seamless train operations.


Sogdiana Trans, a subsidiary of Uzbek Railways, is currently
responsible for the operation and maintenance of the
Hairatan–Mazar-i-Sharif railway line, as well as overseeing freight
transportation along this corridor.


The Hairatan–Mazar-i-Sharif railway line in northern Afghanistan
serves as a key transport corridor linking the country with
Uzbekistan. The 75-kilometre single-track line connects the border
town of Hairatan, located on the Amu Darya River, with
Mazar-i-Sharif, one of Afghanistan’s major economic centres. It
plays a crucial role in facilitating freight movement, with goods
entering Afghanistan through Uzbekistan and then distributed across
the country.