TASHKENT, Uzbekistan — Uzbekistan’s Minister of Transport, Ilkhom Makhkamov, underscored the significance of the Trans-Afghan railway project, calling it a vital link between Central and South Asia that could enhance regional integration and global economic ties.
In an interview with Trend News, Makhkamov highlighted Central Asia’s vast reserves of natural resources and the region’s growing role in global trade. He emphasized that the Trans-Afghan railway, which will connect Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, offers new opportunities for economic exchange and cooperation.
“The Trans-Afghan corridor will connect the railway networks of Central and South Asian nations, facilitating not only the exchange of goods but also cultural values,” Makhkamov said. He noted that the project could create a powerful transport corridor linking India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and China.
The railway, which is expected to take at least five years to complete, has an estimated cost of $5 billion. Once finished, it could provide crucial infrastructure for trade between South and Central Asia, as well as beyond, connecting the region to major global markets like India and China.
Makhkamov’s remarks come as regional powers increasingly look to infrastructure projects to foster economic growth and cooperation in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
