CENTRAL ASIA, September 2025 —The long-held dream of robust rail connectivity between Central Asia and Pakistan is gaining renewed momentum, drawing on centuries of historical trade routes and modern infrastructure ambitions. This vision aims to transform landlocked economies and foster regional stability.

Central to this endeavor is the proposed Trans-Afghan Railway, designed to link Mazar-i-Sharif in Afghanistan with Peshawar in Pakistan via Kabul. This ambitious project seeks to provide Central Asian nations with their shortest route to Pakistan's deep-water ports. The initiative builds upon historical precedents, such as the British-era Khyber Railway, which once connected Peshawar to the Afghan border, highlighting the region's enduring potential as a transit hub.

Successful implementation of such rail projects could significantly reduce transport costs for landlocked Central Asian countries like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, boosting their competitiveness. For Pakistan, it offers the prospect of becoming a vital gateway for regional trade. Furthermore, enhanced connectivity could play a crucial role in Afghanistan's economic revitalization and long-term stability, shifting its role from a barrier to a bridge for commerce.

The author emphasizes that realizing such infrastructure goals requires more than just engineering; it demands political will, trust, and shared prosperity, echoing lessons learned from the construction of the Khyber Railway, which necessitated cooperation with local tribes through incentives. This personal passion for regional connectivity is rooted in a deep understanding of the area's history and its people.

As the global landscape increasingly favors regional blocs and trade corridors, the development of rail links between Central and South Asia represents a critical choice between isolation and integration. The realization of these railway dreams holds the promise of economic growth, diversification, and enhanced stability for millions across the region.

Source: Times of Central Asia