Iran Launches Railway Project to Connect with China
Iran has launched a major cross-border railway infrastructure project, constructing a 657-kilometer international rail line connecting the Iranian city of Chaharbagh (Haf), Afghanistan's Herat City, and Mazar-i-Sharif, ultimately reaching Kashgar in China.
This project, to be constructed by Iranian companies, will be financed through Afghanistan’s mineral resources. The route will form a crucial segment of the "Five-Nation Strategic Corridor," enabling direct rail connectivity between Iran and China without the need for track gauge changes in the future. The new line will significantly reduce freight time and costs between East Asia, Iran, and Europe. Implemented under a framework agreement among Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkey, this initiative will substantially strengthen Tehran’s position as a regional transit hub and reduce reliance on maritime trade routes.
Opening this corridor is seen as an important geopolitical and economic move, creating new opportunities for regional trade and logistics. Once the Herat–Mazar-i-Sharif section is completed, construction is expected to extend toward the Wakhan Corridor, eventually linking up with China’s railway network.
The project will be built by Iranian firms, with funding provided through Afghanistan’s mineral resources. This segment will become a key part of the "Five Nations" strategic corridor, enabling direct rail connectivity between Iran and China without requiring track gauge conversion. The new line will greatly shorten freight times and costs between East Asia, Iran, and Europe. Under the agreement framework among Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkey, the project is actively advancing, enhancing Tehran’s role as a transit hub and reducing dependence on sea lanes. The implementation of this corridor is considered a significant geo-economic initiative, opening new prospects for regional trade and logistics. It is expected that after completion of the Herat–Mazar-i-Sharif segment, construction will proceed toward the Wakhan Corridor to connect with China’s railway network.
In addition to these three countries, the new railway line will also pass through Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Iran’s determination to advance this major project was solidified following U.S. sanctions blocking its ports. This development also brings substantial benefits to China. However, security concerns remain, particularly along the sections within Afghanistan.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1869070221751308/
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