The ambitious Khaf-Herat railway project, a cornerstone of the Five Nations Railway Corridor, continues to reshape trade dynamics between Iran and Afghanistan. Following the successful completion of the first two sections within Iranian territory, attention has shifted to the critical third and fourth segments that bring the line into the heart of western Afghanistan.
Bridging the Border: Section 3
The third section of the railway serves as the primary artery from the Iranian border to the Rozanak station in Afghanistan. Key details of this phase include:
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Distance: 62 kilometers of standard-gauge track.
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Investment: Approximately USD 75 million (EUR 59.99 million).
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Funding: Entirely funded and constructed by the Iranian government as part of its commitment to Afghan reconstruction and regional transit.
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Status: While originally scheduled for 2013, the section saw its official operational inauguration in December 2020, following years of technical and security-related delays.
The Final Stretch: Section 4
The fourth and final section is the gateway to Herat’s industrial hubs and the Herat International Airport. Spanning roughly 87 km, this section is being managed in two distinct phases:
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Funding Evolution: While the Asian Development Bank (ADB) was initially slated to provide significant funding for Afghanistan’s rail infrastructure, recent phases have seen a shift toward diverse investments, including private consortiums from Kazakhstan and Russia, as well as local Afghan resources.
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Economic Impact: Once the final tracks are laid—projected for full completion within the next two years—the line will have the capacity to transport 6 million tonnes of cargo and 1 million passengers annually.
A Gateway to the Global Market
The completion of these sections transforms Afghanistan from a landlocked nation into a “land-linked” regional hub. By connecting to Iran’s national rail network, Afghan goods now have a direct route to the Chabahar Port and the Indian Ocean, as well as overland access to Europe via Turkey.
“This railway is the missing link in a 2,000-kilometer corridor connecting China to the West,” noted regional trade analysts. “It reduces transit costs and cements Herat’s status as a commercial crossroads for Central Asia.”
The third section of Khaf-Herat railway between eastern Iran and Afghanistan will cover 62-km and cost USD 75mn (EUR 59.99mn) and Iran will provide funding to build the section. The project is scheduled to be completed in March 2013 and the fourth section will be funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Iran has already completed building the first two sections of the railway.
