KABUL (TOLOnews): The Ministry of Public Works reported that over 300,000 tons of goods were transported via the country’s railways during the month of Sunbula (22 August to 21 September) this year.
According to Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, the ministry’s spokesperson, more than 8,000 tons of these goods were exports, with a significant portion consisting of dried fruits and pomegranate juice.
He added that most imports and exports in the month of Sunbula were transported via the Hairatan, Aqina, and Torghundi railway routes.
The railway transport breakdown for the month of Sunbula is as follows:
- Hairatan Railway: 250,357 tons
- Aqina Railway: 26,070 tons
- Torghundi Railway: 40,618 tons
The spokesperson said: “In the month of Sunbula, more than 317,000 metric tons were transported, with over 250,000 tons passing through Hairatan port. The rest were transported through other ports, including oil, liquefied gas, wheat, flour, cooking oil, foodstuffs, and construction materials.”
The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment highlighted the importance of railway transportation in reducing costs and emphasized the need for further investment in the construction and rehabilitation of the country’s railways.
Khan Jan Alokozay, a member of the board of directors of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said: “Railway transportation is not only vital for exports and imports but also for domestic transportation.”
Abdul Nasir Rashtia, an economic expert, said: “Unfortunately, Afghanistan lacks modern transportation systems and standard roads, which presents serious challenges in trade. Now that goods are being transported by rail, this can undoubtedly impact the prices of goods in the market, as they will reach the market on time and at reasonable prices.”
According to Ministry of Public Works, Afghanistan currently has 260 kilometers of active railway lines, connecting the country to Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Iran, facilitating daily transfers to regional countries.
