Imports via Khaf–Herat railway rise fivefold compared to last year

Local officials in Herat say that up to 2,000 tons of commercial goods, particularly cement and tiles are imported daily through this railway line into the Rozanak station in Herat.

At present, the Khaf–Herat railway plays an important role in transporting commercial goods.

Last week, for the first time, a shipment of diesel fuel was also imported via this railway into Rozanak station. It is expected that a second shipment of oil will arrive in Herat through the same route later this week.

Mohammad Akbar Kargar, responsible for organizing the programs of the Roznak station of the Herat- Khaf railway, said: “In previous years, we handled around 10,000 tons or 5,000 tons a month. Now our imports exceed 50,000 tons.”

The unloading of goods at Rozanak station continues daily. Most of the imports consist of cement, tiles, iron, petroleum products, and construction materials, which arrive in Herat via this rail line.

Mohammad Bashir Seerat, head of Herat’s Industry and Commerce Department, said: “Our imports and exports should be conducted through this railway. The problems we face at our border ports in export and import include a shortage of trucks, high costs, and lengthy administrative procedures. For that reason, this is the only route that helps simplify the process in this sector.”

Meanwhile, sufficient facilities and infrastructure have not yet been established at the Rozanak station. Standard installations are needed for unloading petroleum products, and more equipment and infrastructure are also required for handling other commercial goods. Currently, hundreds of people are employed along this railway.