When you think of Afghanistan, trains might not be the first thing that comes to mind. And honestly, you’d be right. The country’s railway system is in rough shape – one of the least developed in the world in fact, with only a few small stretches of track in operation.
A Late Start
Afghanistan’s railways didn’t get rolling until the 2010s. The first major railway line to be built was the Mazar-i-Sharif to Hairatan line, completed in 2010. With help from Uzbekistan, this 75 km stretch connected Afghanistan to the northern border, mainly for cargo like coal and cement. But it hasn't exactly been a smooth ride. Problems like poor track conditions, lack of proper maintenance, and security concerns have made this line far from a reliable transport option.
While it’s Afghanistan’s most significant rail project, the Mazar-i-Sharif line still doesn’t live up to its potential and has limited operations.
Afghanistan’s Railways Today
Afghanistan’s rail network today is still tiny. There are just a handful of lines, and none are currently operational. When the lines are hypothetically in operation, only cargo services run and there have yet to be passenger trains in Afghanistan.
1. Mazar-i-Sharif to Hairatan
This is the key line in Afghanistan. It’s essential for moving goods like coal and cement but often faces delays and maintenance issues. Security concerns and underuse continue to hold it back from being the reliable freight route it was meant to be.
2. Herat to Tejen
The Herat to Tejen line, completed in 2014, links Afghanistan to Turkmenistan. This 80 km route is meant to boost trade, especially in oil and gas. But it hasn’t really taken off. Political instability and security problems have left it underused and inefficient.
3. Aqina to Andkhoy
Another small line , Aqina to Andkhoy, opened in 2019, connecting northern Afghanistan with Turkmenistan. It’s only 35 km long, and although it’s supposed to help with cargo transport, it’s also had trouble getting off the ground, facing the same issues as other lines.
4. Khaf to Herat
The Khaf to Herat line, which opened in 2020, is a bit more promising. It connects Khaf in Iran to Afghanistan’s Herat province, opening up new trade routes. At 200 km, it’s a major link for cross-border trade. But again, the lack of services and security concerns still limit its success.
Future Projects
There are a couple of railway lines in the works, like the Peshawar to Jalalabad line, which would connect Afghanistan to Pakistan’s eastern region. Another proposed line is Quetta to Kandahar, linking Afghanistan’s south to Pakistan. Both could improve trade if they happen, but they’re still just plans for now.
Why It’s Been So Hard to Develop Railways
Afghanistan’s rail system hasn’t developed much, and there are a few big reasons for that:
- Security Issues : Afghanistan’s history of war and ongoing conflicts has made it difficult to keep rail infrastructure safe.
- Lack of Investment : There hasn’t been enough funding to develop a strong railway network. While some international aid has helped, political instability has slowed progress.
- Geography : Afghanistan’s rough terrain, with mountains and deserts, makes laying down tracks expensive and challenging. On top of that, harsh weather conditions make maintaining rail lines tough.
The track ahead
While Afghanistan’s rail network is in bad shape right now, there’s potential. The country’s location makes it an important link between Central and South Asia, so there’s hope that with the right investment and regional cooperation, Afghanistan’s railway system could eventually grow. One day you might even get to enjoy a rail journey across Afghanistan.
