Afghanistan has inaugurated the first phase of the fourth section of the strategically important Herat–Khaf railway, another step toward stronger regional transport and trade links.
According to the Herat provincial governor’s office, the newly opened 43-kilometre stretch was completed at a cost of about $58.5 million. Senior Afghan officials and representatives of neighbouring countries attended the ceremony. Governor Sheikh Mawlana Islamjar called the project a milestone for Herat’s role as a regional hub for transport, logistics and trade.
Officials said the section should strengthen trade links via Iran toward regional and European markets. Work continues on the second phase of the same section, adding another 47 kilometres at an estimated cost of more than $54 million. Once finished, the roughly 225-kilometre cross-border line will connect Iran’s Khaf with Herat province.