Kabul, July 17, 2025 – In a historic move to boost regional connectivity and trade, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan have signed a trilateral framework agreement for conducting a joint feasibility study on the much-anticipated Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan (UAP) Railway Corridor.
The signing ceremony took place in Kabul, marking a significant step forward in a project first proposed in 2021. The corridor is envisioned as a strategic trade route that will link Central Asia with Pakistan’s warm-water ports via Afghanistan, offering new economic opportunities for all three countries.
Project Overview
The UAP Railway Corridor will stretch from Termez, Uzbekistan, pass through Mazar-i-Sharif and Logar in Afghanistan, and reach Naibabad/Kharlachi in Pakistan. The proposed route covers approximately 573 kilometers, although some estimates suggest it could extend up to 640 kilometers after detailed surveys.
Once completed, the railway line is expected to:
. Facilitate regional trade and transit.
Reduce cargo delivery times by up to five days
. Increase annual freight capacity to 15 million tons
. Provide Central Asian countries direct access to Pakistani seaports, including Karachi, Gwadar, and Bin Qasim
The Signing Ceremony
The trilateral agreement was signed in the presence of high-level officials from all three nations:
Pakistan: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, accompanied by Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi
Uzbekistan: Foreign Minister Baxtiyor Saidov and representatives from Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport
Afghanistan: Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and officials from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Works
Speaking at the event, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar described the agreement as a “major milestone in regional cooperation”, emphasizing the project’s potential to transform economic ties between Central Asia and South Asia.
Background and Strategic Importance
The UAP Railway project is part of broader efforts to enhance regional connectivity and trade under the vision of integrating Central and South Asian markets. The project aims to provide landlocked Central Asian countries with efficient access to global markets via Pakistan’s seaports.
For Afghanistan, the railway promises to generate significant transit revenue and create job opportunities, offering a much-needed economic boost amidst challenging times.
For Pakistan and Uzbekistan, the railway strengthens bilateral and multilateral trade routes, creating new export pathways and reducing dependence on longer sea routes.
Next Steps: Feasibility Study and Implementation
The trilateral agreement signed in Kabul focuses primarily on conducting a joint feasibility study. This study will assess:
Route alignment
Technical specifications
Environmental and social impacts
Construction costs and funding sources
Initial cost estimates suggest the project could require around $4.8 billion, though exact figures will depend on the outcomes of the study. Financing is likely to involve multilateral development banks, international investors, and public-private partnerships.
Once the feasibility phase is completed, the next steps will include detailed engineering design, financing arrangements, and the eventual start of construction.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism, the project faces several challenges:
Security Concerns: The railway must pass through volatile regions in Afghanistan, requiring strong guarantees of safety and political stability.
Infrastructure Compatibility: Different railway gauges across the three countries could require costly adjustments or new infrastructure.
Financing and Investment: Securing billions in funding will require cooperation with global financial institutions.
Conclusion
The signing of the trilateral agreement in Kabul is a landmark event for regional infrastructure development. It signals a commitment from Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan to pursue shared economic goals through enhanced connectivity.
If successfully implemented, the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan Railway Corridor could redefine trade dynamics in the region, fostering closer ties and contributing to long-term stability and prosperity.
