The Ministry of Public Works has reported a 5.5% increase in the volume of freight transported via the country’s railways.

Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, the ministry’s spokesperson, stated that in the solar year 1403, a total of 4.4 million tons of goods were transported through Afghanistan’s railway system.

In comparison, the railway freight volume in 1402 was 4.1 million tons.

According to the spokesperson, more than 145,000 tons of transit goods were also exported in 1403.

Railway transfer volumes in 1403 were as follows:

From Hairatan Port: 3,386,143 tons

From Aqina Port: 369,865 tons

From Torghundi Port: 592,487 tons

From Khaf-Herat Port: 50,799 tons

Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas further stated: “The main items exported via railways last year included talc stone, dried fruits, mandarins, potatoes, and pomegranate juice. The increase in transfer volume reflects a positive change and signals a move toward self-sufficiency in the country’s economic and infrastructural development.”

Meanwhile, the Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock emphasized the importance of railway transfers and considers investment in this area crucial for increasing Afghanistan’s agricultural exports.

Waseem Safi, the CEO of the Agriculture and Livestock Chamber, appealed to traders: “Through your media, I call on traders and investors to come and invest in the railway sector so that we can export our products on time and at reasonable prices.”

“Railways can transfer a large volume of goods in a short time, which can positively impact our economy and simultaneously create employment opportunities,” said Ahmad Firdaws Behguzin, an economic analyst.

According to the Ministry of Public Works, in the year 1403 of the solar calendar, 73,576 wagons were used for railway transfers, compared to 69,380 wagons in 1402.