Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and UAE study transit corridor through Afghanistan to Indian Ocean
What happened
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and the United Arab Emirates agreed to study a railway corridor through Afghanistan leading to Pakistani ports. Kazakhstan's exports to Afghanistan reached nearly $573 million in the first seven months of 2026. Bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and Afghanistan reached $581.1 million in January-July 2026, up from $541.6 million in 2025.
From timesca.com
Why it matters
The proposed route aims to establish a continuous railway corridor from Central Asia to the Indian Ocean, which currently does not exist. This initiative is part of broader regional dialogue promoting transit routes and sustainable development goals in Central Asia and Afghanistan.
Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and the UN are promoting constructive dialogue on regional integration, sustainable development goals, and transit routes through Afghanistan.
From timesca.com
Who's involved
- KazakhstanProposing a railway route to the Indian Ocean through Afghanistan and Pakistan.
- AfghanistanA country through which the proposed transit corridor would pass.
- UzbekistanA key transit partner included in the study of the proposed corridor.
- PakistanA country whose ports would be the destination for the proposed corridor.
- AstanaThe capital city of Kazakhstan, involved in railway planning.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- PakistanSpeculative
Pakistan might see increased transit revenue by providing access to its ports for goods moving through the corridor.
- AfghanistanSpeculative
Afghanistan could see increased trade and investment if the transit corridor is established.
- UzbekistanSpeculative
Uzbekistan could see increased trade volume as a key transit partner in the proposed corridor.
Possible ripples
Who this could reach next, traced step by step from the reporting. Possibilities worth considering, not forecasts.How it developed
Newest first. Tap a step to see who reported it.- Countries discussed the Trans-Afghan corridor, with Mohsen Rokni heading the Dogharoun border terminal.Sub-event
Ultimate goal of the proposed railway line is to establish a transit corridor to the Indian Ocean.1 source
Keep exploring
Part of
Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and the UN are promoting constructive dialogue on regional integration, sustainable development goals, and transit routes through Afghanistan.Also in this story
- Kazakhstan and Central Asia discuss food security and regional food reserves for Afghanistan.
- Central Asia is seeking alternative southern trade routes.
The entities involved
-
Kazakhstan
sovereign state in Eastern Europe and Central Asia
-
Afghanistan
country in Central and South Asia
Related events
- A pilot project for driverless freight between two countries was launched in Kazakhstan, focusing on developing transcontinental transport corridors along North-South and East-West routes.
- Afghanistan is seeking railway and transit links through Central Asia and Chabahar to connect with Europe and the Caucasus.
- The government mandates regional infrastructure development, specifically involving the Kenderli Airport Project in Kazakhstan.
- Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan increased rail and road freight traffic and agreed to expand joint production and trade.
- Kazakhstan is leveraging its strategic location and infrastructure to serve as a major transit hub for Central Asia's trade and investment, driven by partnerships with China.