WANA (Nov 20) – During a meeting with the head of Afghanistan’s Railway Administration, Jabar Ali Zakari, CEO of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways, emphasized the strategic importance of completing the Herat rail corridor on schedule. He noted that the proximity of Iran, Afghanistan, and China makes this route vital for reducing transit costs and shortening travel times.

 

Zakari highlighted the potential for increased transit between the two nations, thanks to the rail line in northwest Afghanistan, which is near the Iranian border. He also confirmed plans to offer a third training course for Afghan railway employees, both in-person and online.

 

Zakari proposed a trilateral meeting between Iran, Afghanistan, and China to advance the Herat rail project, pointing out that many challenges facing the Iran-Afghanistan railway consortium have been resolved. Currently, three trains operate weekly on the designated route.

 

Mohammad Ishaq Sahebzada, head of Afghanistan’s Railway Administration, praised the growing cooperation between the two countries’ railways. He thanked Iran for its training programs, which benefitted 96 Afghan railway employees. He hoped that the trade and transit volume between the countries would increase with continued collaboration.

 

Sahebzada also mentioned that studies for the Zaranj-Kandahar rail line are underway. When linked to Iran’s Zabol, this line would open a new chapter for trade between the two nations.