Photo: railways.kz
Kazakhstan has announced plans to construct the Turgundi (Torgundi)–Herat railway in Afghanistan over the next two years, Deputy Transport Minister Maksat Kaliakparov said at a government meeting on September 9, Vlast.kz reported.
The railway will stretch 120 kilometers. “The financing structure has been developed, and work is underway to attract investment,” Kaliakparov noted, adding that the project is scheduled for 2026–27.
According to the deputy minister, the new line will open opportunities for exports and cargo transit to Afghanistan, with the prospect of access to markets in Pakistan and India. Earlier, Kazakhstan announced plans to establish a transport and logistics company in Herat to promote the project.
While Kazakh authorities have not disclosed the investment figure, the Afghan government stated last spring that Astana was prepared to invest $500 million in the project. It was also reported that Kazakhstan plans to lay a fiber-optic cable along the railway. This will enhance digital infrastructure along the transport corridor, improve communications, strengthen train safety and management, and create opportunities to connect settlements to high-speed internet in the future.
