Mahmoud Seyadat, Chairman of the Iran-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, says the signing of the contract for the construction of the Herat–Mazar-i-Sharif railway could pave the way for a more direct and cost-effective route for Iran, particularly Khorasan Razavi Province, to access Central Asian markets.
Speaking to ISNA, Seyadat said the project agreement was signed with the participation of relevant institutions from both Iran and Afghanistan and in the presence of officials from the two countries. He described the Herat–Mazar-i-Sharif railway as one of the region’s most significant infrastructure projects, noting that it could play an important role in expanding regional transit connectivity.
Seyadat also stated that part of the project’s financing is expected to be secured through Afghanistan’s mineral resources. According to him, this funding mechanism could contribute to the project’s economic sustainability and accelerate its implementation, although details regarding private-sector participation and the final financing model have yet to be determined.
The head of the Iran-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce highlighted Afghanistan’s geographical position, saying the country could serve as a key link in the region’s railway network. He noted that completion of the Herat–Mazar-i-Sharif railway would connect western Afghanistan to the country’s northern regions and subsequently to Central Asian states.
He pointed out that the majority of Iran’s current rail access to Central Asia passes through Turkmenistan, a route that, he said, faces certain limitations and challenges. Establishing an alternative corridor through Afghanistan could reduce transportation costs and transit times while decreasing reliance on existing routes.
Seyadat emphasized that the project is not merely an infrastructure initiative but also a geoeconomic undertaking that could enhance Iran’s trade competitiveness across the region.
He further noted the importance of the railway for Khorasan Razavi Province, stating that the city of Mashhad and special economic zones such as Sarakhs and Dogharoon stand to benefit from the project. He added that the railway could further strengthen the region’s position as a major transit hub.
The chairman of the Iran-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce also stressed that attracting private-sector investment will require transparent financial mechanisms, guarantees on investment returns, and a clear implementation roadmap.
His remarks come amid growing efforts in recent years to expand transit corridors linking Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asian countries. At the same time, Russia is also exploring the possibility of developing railway routes through Afghanistan as part of broader efforts to strengthen its access to regional markets.
writer:Salima Aryaei
