Rail transport from Iran to Afghanistan surges 17-fold

Rail freight between Iran and Afghanistan has increased 17-fold during the 1404 solar year, underscoring a sharp rise in cross-border trade and transit activity, Iranian officials say.

Shahryar Naqizada, Director General of Foreign Trade for Iran’s Railway, told state news agency IRNA that between March 2025 and February 2026, some 650,000 tons of goods were transported to Afghanistan by rail.

Of that total, approximately 150,000 tons consisted of transit cargo — goods originating in third countries and routed through Iran before entering Afghanistan.

The surge reflects Tehran’s broader push to strengthen regional connectivity and position itself as a key trade corridor linking Central Asia to international markets.

Rail links between the two neighbors have become increasingly important as Afghanistan seeks alternative trade routes and more cost-effective import channels.

A major driver of this growth is the Khaf–Herat railway line, which connects northeastern Iran to western Afghanistan and has gradually expanded commercial operations in recent years.

The line reduces transport costs and transit times compared to road freight, while also improving reliability for bulk commodities such as construction materials, fuel, food products, and industrial goods.

Looking ahead, Naqizada said Iran aims to move two million tons of cargo through the Shamtigh border crossing in the 1405 solar year (2026–2027), calling the target achievable given current momentum.

The increase in rail shipments comes amid expanding economic engagement between the two countries, including discussions on infrastructure investment, transit cooperation, and agricultural trade.

Analysts say improved rail connectivity could further integrate Afghanistan into regional supply chains, particularly if complementary customs and logistics systems are strengthened on both sides of the border.