The Hairatan–Mazar-i-Sharif railway line's fifth station has officially resumed operations following a major reconstruction. The first commercial freight train arrived at the station as part of the project's launch.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Afghanistan's Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, expressed his gratitude to Uzbekistan for its ongoing support and cooperation. He also urged local and international investors to contribute more actively to the development of the Afghan economy.
According to Baradar, Kabul is keen on further strengthening bilateral relations with Tashkent and is currently exploring prospects to simplify travel procedures for citizens of both nations.
"Travel between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan will continue to grow, and we could reach a passport-free and visa-free agreement in the future," the Deputy Prime Minister added.
Afghanistan's Minister of Public Works, Mohammad Isa Sani, announced that joint projects with Uzbekistan to construct the 657-kilometer Hairatan–Herat railway are actively moving forward. Additionally, funding has been secured for the feasibility study of the 878-kilometer Herat–Kandahar railway line.
Located near the Maulana Jalaluddin Muhammad Balkhi International Airport, the newly upgraded station can handle more than 50 cargo beds in two shifts. The project includes reconstructing administrative buildings, upgrading power supply and heating systems, and modernizing infrastructure. It also features a new centralized substation, alongside video surveillance and lighting systems installed along a 75-kilometer stretch of the railway.
Zufar Narzullaev, Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Railways, noted that the project successfully renovated the administrative facilities at the Naibabad–Mazar-i-Sharif station, equipped them with modern technology, and brought a new centralized auxiliary station online.
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