Russia eyes trans-Afghan railway to expand regional trade corridors

Russia has expressed strong interest in constructing a railway through Afghanistan as part of broader efforts to strengthen transport and trade links with countries in the Global South, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk said.

Speaking to Russia 24 television, Overchuk noted that expanding connectivity with southern markets would help diversify Russia’s transport and logistics routes. He said various options for building a railway across Afghan territory are currently under discussion, with a focus on both western and eastern corridors.

Overchuk added that Russian specialists are actively studying the feasibility of the project and are involved in technical consultations related to the proposed railway.

His remarks follow earlier statements by Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov, who said last year that Russia and Uzbekistan were jointly preparing a feasibility study for the Trans-Afghan railway, aimed at developing international transport corridors.

Subsequently, the transport ministers of Russia and Uzbekistan signed agreements to move into the development phase of the Trans-Afghan railway project, which is expected to extend southward to Pakistan.

Uzbekistan, which already has a direct rail connection with Afghanistan, has positioned itself as a regional logistics hub linking Russia, Central Asia and South Asia.

In November 2024, during a visit to Kabul, Overchuk told officials of the Islamic Emirate that Moscow was keen to participate in the Trans-Afghan railway project, describing it as a key initiative to enhance connectivity across Central Asia and the broader Eurasian region.