Kabul — Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates have reached an understanding on cooperation in studying the technical and economic feasibility of a proposed railway connection that would pass through Afghanistan towards Pakistan's ports.
According to TOLOnews, the proposal envisages a transport corridor running from Kazakhstan through Uzbekistan and Afghanistan to Pakistan. Studies will examine the proposed route's feasibility, required infrastructure and potential for trade.
If the corridor proves viable in the future, it could give Central Asian countries further access to South Asian and maritime markets. Afghanistan could also benefit from transport services and possible transit fees.
For now, however, this is an agreement to study the proposal, not confirmation that construction has started, financing has been secured or trains are operating. Costs, security, intergovernmental cooperation and border arrangements will be decisive.