Pakistan, Uzbekistan Advance Landmark Railway Transit Corridor to Boost Regional Trade

In a significant development for regional connectivity, Pakistan and Uzbekistan have reaffirmed their commitment to the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Uzbekistan Railway Transit Corridor project. This agreement was reached during a high-level meeting in Islamabad between Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi and Uzbekistan’s Ambassador Ali Shir Takhtaev.

The project, which aims to strengthen regional trade links, includes the development of an 850-kilometre railway corridor, with 647 kilometres of track passing through Afghanistan. Once completed, this corridor will serve as the first direct rail link between Central and South Asia, making it a strategic asset for trade, transit, and economic cooperation.

Officials from both countries emphasized the importance of the corridor as a “game-changer” for regional trade and economic development. The railway is projected to handle up to 15 million tons of cargo annually, streamlining import and export operations and significantly reducing transportation costs across borders.

During the meeting, both sides discussed a joint action strategy for fast-tracking the project’s implementation, including coordination on technical, financial, and operational matters. This collaboration highlights a broader vision of economic integration, regional stability, and diversified trade routes beyond traditional sea-based logistics.

The Pakistan-Afghanistan-Uzbekistan railway is also expected to enhance access to global markets for landlocked Central Asian countries and provide Pakistan with improved access to Central Asia, thereby reinforcing the country’s position as a regional transit hub.

This initiative aligns with Pakistan’s broader regional connectivity agenda and its goals under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework, although it operates independently.

Disclaimer:
This article is based on official meetings and public statements available as of the publication date. Project timelines and figures are subject to change based on bilateral agreements, geopolitical developments, and funding arrangements. For the latest updates, consult official government releases or transport ministry websites.

Afsheen Gohar

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