TEHRAN A high-level Iranian delegation has traveled to Afghanistan to explore avenues for expanding bilateral transport infrastructure, with a key focus on developing the Khaf-Herat railway line and addressing transit challenges between the two neighbors.According to Irans Ministry of Transport and Urban Development, the delegationcomprised of senior officials from the ministry, the Foreign Ministrys Economic Affairs Department, and the South Khorasan provincial governmentis in Afghanistan to assess transit potential, promote economic cooperation, and facilitate private sector engagement in reconstruction and housing projects.A central item on the agenda is the further development of the Khaf-Herat railway line and the Maahi RudFarah route.
The railway, a key regional corridor connecting eastern Iran to western Afghanistan, has long been seen as a vital link for regional trade and Afghanistans access to free waters.Seyyed Abdollah Arjaei, Irans Deputy Transport Minister for Planning and Resource Management, stated that the government has set a target of increasing national transit volume to 40 million tons annually.
This goal cannot be realized without strengthening ties with neighboring countries and completing east-west and north-south corridors, he said.Arjaei emphasized that Afghanistans strategic need for access to European markets and open seas creates an opportunity for Iran to boost its transit revenues and position itself as a regional trade hub.The delegation also explored opportunities for Iranian private firms to engage in Afghanistans post-conflict reconstruction.
Discussions were held on facilitating the export of construction materials, transferring technical expertise, and involving Iranian companies in residential housing projects across Afghanistan.Arjaei noted that Iran aims to create a favorable environment for Iranian private companies to participate in Afghanistans rebuilding efforts, especially in transport infrastructure and housing.The visit comes amid broader regional efforts to strengthen economic integration and reduce Afghanistans trade dependence on limited border crossings.
The full operation of the Khaf-Herat railway could play a transformative role in connecting Afghanistan to global markets via Irans Chabahar and Bandar Abbas ports.EF/.
This article first appeared/also appeared in Tehran Times