The fifth section of the Hairatan–Mazar-i-Sharif railway was officially reopened and brought back into operation on Thursday in Balkh Province, following an inauguration ceremony led by the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar.
Speaking at the ceremony, Baradar commended the efforts of the Ministry of Public Works in expanding Afghanistan’s railway network, as well as Uzbekistan’s cooperation in the sector.
He further stated that economic and trade relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have strengthened compared to the past, adding that a joint committee has been formed to further expand bilateral cooperation.
According to a statement from the Deputy Prime Minister’s office, the fifth section of the Hairatan–Mazar-i-Sharif railway includes 70 kilometres of main track and 30 kilometres of auxiliary lines. It also includes five stations and has the capacity to unload up to 50 wagons.
With the activation of this section, significant improvements are expected in the transportation and handling of commercial goods, helping to ensure smoother trade flows.
