Kazakhstan Reports 77 Percent Rise in Rail Freight with Afghanistan

Rail freight volume between Kazakhstan and Afghanistan reached one million tons in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 77 percent increase compared to the same period last year, Kazakhstan’s national railway operator reported. The announcement followed a bilateral meeting in Astana focused on expanding transport cooperation and infrastructure development.

Talgat Aldybergenov, chairman of Kazakhstan National Railways, met with Mohammad Ishaq, the Taliban’s deputy minister of public works, on the sidelines of a meeting of the Organization for Cooperation of Railways. Officials discussed strengthening cross-border logistics and advancing regional connectivity projects.

Trade figures highlighted during the discussions showed that Kazakhstan’s flour exports to Afghanistan totaled 291,000 tons in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting a 37 percent year-on-year increase. Aldybergenov noted that the growth in cargo volume underscores the expanding economic ties between the two countries.

In addition to current trade flows, Kazakhstan outlined plans to finance the construction of the Torghundi-Herat railway line, a project estimated at five hundred million dollars. The proposed infrastructure aims to improve freight capacity and integrate Afghanistan into broader Central Asian transit networks.

Despite not formally recognizing the Taliban administration, Kazakhstan has maintained consistent economic engagement with Afghanistan. The recent meeting in Astana signals continued efforts to develop transport corridors and support commercial exchange, with both sides emphasizing the importance of stable logistics frameworks for regional trade.