Iran–China rail link via Afghanistan proposed to cut transit time

A proposed rail connection linking Iran to China through Afghanistan could reduce transport distances by up to 50 percent and enable direct freight train services to Europe.

The proposed Herat–Mazar-e-Sharif–Wakhan railway would connect China to Europe and West Asia via Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkey, strengthening regional trade corridors, IRNA reported. The project was recently discussed during talks between Afghan public works officials and the CEO of Iran Railways.

Iranian rail officials say the plan would use standard-gauge tracks, allowing trains to travel directly from China to Europe without cargo transfers, easing bottlenecks at borders with Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Technical studies are underway to assess investment needs.

Since the start of the current Iranian year, more than 63 China-bound freight trains have entered Iran, up from seven last year.

Officials estimate annual traffic on the China–Europe route could rise to 300 trains following regional agreements.

The project includes a 64-kilometer rail segment to Herat, an extension to Mazar-e-Sharif, and a connection through Afghanistan’s Wakhan region to China’s Xinjiang province. Despite challenging terrain, Iranian and Afghan companies have expressed interest in construction.

Iranian officials say the route would cut costs and transit time, boost trade with China, and strengthen Afghanistan’s integration into regional rail networks.