The volume of goods transported through Afghanistan’s rail network increased by more than 39 percent over the past year, the Taliban public works ministry said on Sunday, pointing to expanded use of key trade corridors.
The ministry said that about 6.1 million metric tons of goods were moved through four major rail routes in the solar year 1404, which ended on March 20, up from roughly 4.3 million tons the year before.
According to the ministry, the shipments passed through crossings at Hairatan, Aqina and Torghundi, as well as the Khaf-Herat railway line. Hairatan, on the northern border, handled the largest share, accounting for more than 4.2 million tons.
The goods included fuel, liquefied gas, wheat, flour, cooking oil, cement and other food and construction materials. Officials said more than 103,000 rail wagons and over 4,600 shipping containers were used to transport cargo.
Exports remained comparatively limited. The ministry reported that about 74,700 metric tons of goods — including dried fruits, rice, potatoes, minerals and agricultural products — were exported during the year.
The ministry attributed the increase to improved coordination, infrastructure development and expanded oversight, and said efforts to streamline trade and transport services would continue.
The figures come as Afghanistan’s broader economy continues to face significant strain. A recent report by the World Food Program found that food prices remain substantially higher than a year ago, with rice prices rising by as much as 47 percent and other staples such as wheat, cooking oil and sugar also increasing.
The report said markets remain functional but are operating under pressure from shifting trade routes, higher transportation costs and uneven distribution. About 60 percent of imports now pass through the Islam Qala crossing on the border with Iran, increasing the risk of congestion and delays.
At the same time, restrictions and closures at key crossings with Pakistan in recent months have disrupted traditional trade flows, forcing greater reliance on northern and western routes, including rail.
Economists say that while higher rail volumes may reflect improved logistics in certain corridors, the gains have yet to translate into lower prices or broader relief for households, many of whom continue to face limited income opportunities and rising living costs.
