ECONOMY — June 20, 2026
Cost of Trans-Afghan Railway Project May Exceed 7 Billion Dollars, Uzbekistan Says
The line is projected to transport 20 million tons of goods annually and reduce transit times from 35 days to between three and five days.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Ariana News — corroborated by Khaama Press and Afghanistan International — 2 min read
Uzbekistan's Ministry of Transport estimates that construction of the Trans-Afghan railway may cost more than 7 billion dollars, exceeding earlier projections of around 4.8 billion dollars.
The updated figure is based on new technical studies, with the full feasibility assessment scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. Officials said the project would require at least five years to build.
The railway is expected to handle up to 20 million tons of cargo each year and shorten transit times from 35 days to between three and five days. It would link Uzbekistan through Afghanistan to ports in Pakistan.
Representatives at the Tashkent International Investment Forum reported interest in financing from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Russia, and the Eurasian Development Bank. The project is intended to expand regional trade links.
Read the original reporting at Ariana News →
Reliability assessment
3 independent sources corroborate core event (revised cost estimate and project status) with direct on-record attribution to named Uzbek official Jasurbek Choriev at Tashkent Investment Forum; minor variations in secondary details (prior cost, exact route) do not affect reliability of main claims
The source language mixes facts with framing or advocacy wording. Khaama Press: "major challenges", "security risks remain a central concern", "economic difficulties, limited infrastructure capacity, and uncertainty" - these phrases introduce negative framing and emphasize risks and problems without direct attribution, mixing analysis with opinionated language.
Across the newsrooms
Where reports agree
- Updated cost exceeds $7 billion based on new technical studies
- Feasibility study completion targeted for end of 2026
- Annual capacity of 20 million tons of cargo
- Interest from UAE, Qatar and Eurasian Development Bank
- Project connects Uzbekistan via Afghanistan to Pakistan seaports (Karachi)
Where reports differ
- Previous cost estimate cited as $4.8 billion (Ariana) vs $4.6 billion (Khaama)
- Afghan route details and length: 760 km via Logar/Kharlachi/Torkham (Ariana) vs 573 km via Kabul/Peshawar (Khaama)
- Security, financing and political challenges mentioned only by Khaama Press
Filed by 3 outlets
Ariana News
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
Khaama Press
Framed
Framed
Afghanistan International
Reported straight
Reported straight
Filed under
Economy — Trans-Afghan Railway, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Jasurbek Choriev
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