ISLAMABAD – Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan have signed a landmark framework agreement in Kabul to launch the feasibility study of the proposed Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) railway project, marking a significant step toward enhanced regional connectivity.
The agreement was signed by officials from the three countries’ transport and railway ministries. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, and Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Baxtiyor Saidov.
The proposed 760-kilometer railway line will connect Termez in Uzbekistan to Pakistan via Mazar-i-Sharif and Logar in Afghanistan, and enter Pakistan through the Kharlachi border in Kurram district. Once completed, the rail line is expected to offer a direct route for trade and transit between Central and South Asia, significantly reducing transport time and costs.
According to the preliminary plan, the rail corridor will help reduce cargo delivery times by up to five days and cut shipping costs by almost 40%. The project aims to transport an estimated 15 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2030.
Speaking on the occasion, Ishaq Dar termed the agreement a “transformational moment” in regional cooperation and emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to fostering connectivity and trade with neighboring countries. He also acknowledged the groundwork laid by previous governments for initiating this regional transport initiative.
The feasibility study will be jointly conducted to assess the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of the project. A trilateral coordination committee has been formed to oversee the study and future development phases.
The UAP railway corridor is viewed as a strategic initiative not only for economic integration but also for fostering diplomatic ties and regional stability. However, the project faces challenges including security concerns in Afghanistan, funding needs, and cross-border coordination.
Despite the hurdles, officials from all three countries expressed optimism that the project would pave the way for stronger economic ties, regional peace, and increased trade flows across Central and South Asia.
