Uzbekistan Eyes Faster Trade Access as Trans-Afghan Corridor Advances
Uzbekistan is moving forward with plans to strengthen its access to global markets through the Trans-Afghan Corridor, even as the long-awaited railway linking Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan remains several years away from completion.
While the proposed railway is still in the feasibility stage, a multimodal transport corridor combining road, rail and sea transport is already operational during periods when the Afghanistan–Pakistan border is open. The route connects Central Asia with Pakistan’s ports of Karachi and Gwadar before continuing to destinations such as Jebel Ali in the UAE.
The railway project, which will run from Termez through Afghanistan to Peshawar, is intended to become the shortest overland route from Central Asia to the Arabian Sea. Officials expect the feasibility study to be completed by the end of 2026, with construction likely extending beyond 2030. The line is expected to significantly reduce transport times and boost regional trade once operational.
For now, logistics companies are relying on the existing multimodal corridor, which has already demonstrated cargo deliveries from Kazakhstan to Pakistan and onward to the Gulf in around 20–25 days, although operations remain dependent on border conditions.
