Afghanistan, October 2026 — The Hairatan–Mazar-i-Sharif Railway is supporting Afghanistan’s cross-border trade by connecting the country’s northern logistics hub with Uzbekistan’s railway network. The Hairatan railway port, located near the Uzbekistan border along the Amu Darya River, serves as a key entry and exit point for freight moving into and out of Afghanistan.
The railway provides an important connection between Afghanistan and Central Asia, allowing imported goods to move inland by rail and supporting the onward movement of Afghan products towards regional markets. Its role is particularly significant for a landlocked country that depends on neighbouring states and transit corridors to access international shipping and distribution networks.
Rail transport can support the movement of bulk commodities and containerised cargo while reducing reliance on long-distance road haulage. Connections through Uzbekistan also provide access to wider Central Asian railway infrastructure, creating potential routes towards markets in Russia, China and other parts of Eurasia. Efficient handling at the border and coordination between railway operators remain essential to maintaining reliable freight flows.
The railway’s importance extends beyond cargo movement, as cross-border logistics infrastructure can support commercial activity, improve the availability of imported goods and facilitate trade with regional partners. However, the benefits depend on operational reliability, customs procedures, infrastructure capacity and the wider security and economic environment affecting Afghanistan’s trade.
As Afghanistan seeks to strengthen its participation in regional commerce, Hairatan’s role as a railway and logistics gateway is likely to remain significant. Continued cooperation with neighbouring railway administrations and investment in freight-handling capacity could help improve connectivity with overseas markets, although the scale of future growth will depend on trade demand and the performance of the wider regional transport network.
Source: Global Times
Hairatan Railway Port Strengthens Afghanistan’s Access To Global Markets
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Rail freight infrastructure is playing an important role in connecting landlocked Afghanistan with international trade routes. The Hairatan railway port in northern Afghanistan is emerging as a key logistics gateway, supporting cargo movements between Afghanistan and neighbouring countries while strengthening links to overseas markets through Central Asian transport networks.
