Uzbekistan Railways’ 50% Discount for Afghan Railway Repairs
The reconstruction of the line from Hairatan to Mazar-i-Sharif in Afghanistan is set to begin in the near future. Uzbekistan Railways has pledged to repair the railway with a 50% discount, amounting to $6 million, as reported by Railway Supply, referring to LogiStan.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the discount and stated that the 75 km long section of the railway will undergo reconstruction soon, although an exact start date has not been provided.
In a meeting between the head of Uzbekistan Railways, Zufar Narzullaev, and the head of the Afghan Railways Department, Bakht-ar-Rahman Sharafat, agreement was reached to have specialists from an Uzbek state-owned company carry out the reconstruction of the Hairatan – Naibabad – Mazar-i-Sharif railway.
The railway line was originally completed in 2010 and has since been maintained by Sogdiana Trans, a subsidiary of Uzbekistan Railways.
Recent reports of plans by the Afghan interim government to take control of the country’s railways created speculation about changes in management. However, Uzbekistan Railways stated that they have agreed with the Afghan side to gradually transfer control of the branch, and there are intentions to extend the contract with Sogdiana Trans.
Following a temporary suspension of cargo transportation due to a lack of a valid agreement, transportation along the line has now resumed after a new two-year agreement was signed.
This partnership in railway reconstruction and management between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan marks a significant development in the region and is expected to contribute to the improvement of transportation infrastructure and trade between the two countries.
