Iranian officials say that transit via the railway between Afghanistan and Iran has increased unprecedentedly, and they note that this route is currently very important for expanding economic ties between the two countries.
Jabar Ali Zakari, head of Iran’s Railway Administration, stated that commercial relations between Iran and Afghanistan have become more organized and strengthened through the railway.
According to some Iranian media citing him, a large portion of Iran’s exports to Afghanistan consists of construction materials, steel, and various iron products.
Jabar Ali Zakari, Executive Director of Iran Railways, said: “In the month of Marghomai this year [Jan-Feb], nearly 94,000 tons were transported between Afghanistan and Iran, and it is expected that this number will rise to 120,000 tons in Solawaghai [Feb-Mar]. Our goal is that within the next three to four months, the monthly transit volume reaches 200,000 tons.”
He added that, to achieve this goal, infrastructure development has begun, and it is planned that the Rozanak and Robat-Priyan stations in Afghanistan will be expanded in cooperation with an Iranian company.
He emphasized that strengthening railway stations and infrastructure in Afghanistan will not only increase cargo transport capacity but also further solidify and expand economic relations between the two countries.
Afghan traders also consider transport via the railway with Iran beneficial, stating that Afghan merchants can connect to Europe through Iran.
Trader Nabi Afghan said: “We can reach Europe, Turkey, and Gulf countries through Iran. Railways are the second most important transport and transit method, allowing goods to be moved cheaply, quickly, and directly. Connecting Afghanistan to Iran via railways, paying attention to this sector, and attracting investment will not be without benefits.”
Iranian media also reported that, besides Iranian goods, transit shipments of petroleum products from the UAE, Kuwait, and Russia are also transported to Afghanistan via Iran’s railways.
Economic analysts consider Iran to be currently the best and unmatched alternative for Afghan traders and trade, instead of Pakistan.
Economic analyst Mohammad Younus Zadran said: “The railway between Iran and Afghanistan has proven highly effective for trade and transit, especially after routes with Pakistan were closed. It is very positive that the Iranian government wants to increase imports and exports with Afghanistan via railways.”
About two months ago, the Deputy of Economic Affairs of the Afghan Council of Ministers met with an Iranian delegation in Kabul to discuss economic ties, trade, and cooperation on expanding railway infrastructure between Afghanistan and Iran.
At that time, the head of Iran’s Railway Administration said that Iran wants to develop railway links via Afghanistan to connect China with Europe, leveraging Afghanistan’s strategic location.
