Kazakhstan is expanding logistics routes through Afghanistan

Kazakhstan is working on establishing access to the sea through Afghanistan. This was reported by LS with reference to the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

At present, the CASA railway corridor project, which is intended to connect Afghanistan and Pakistan, is being considered at the intergovernmental level. Relevant memorandums have already been signed, and an interdepartmental working group involving interested government bodies has been established.

According to the basic concept, the project предусматривает the creation of a railway route from Turgundi to Spin Boldak in Afghanistan with further access to Pakistan’s seaports. As a result, the transport systems of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan will be connected, providing Central Asian countries with direct access to the seas of South Asia.

Currently, framework agreements, a feasibility study, and financing parameters are being prepared. The financial model of the project, as well as Kazakhstan’s share and format of participation, will be clarified at the subsequent stages of preparing the investment agreement.

After the completion of the feasibility study and agreement on the overall configuration of the corridor, the route parameters within Kazakhstan, including its length, will be determined.

The Ministry of Transport expects that the project will expand Kazakhstan’s transit potential, diversify export routes, and reduce transportation costs. In addition, growth in freight volumes and strengthening of trade and economic ties between participating countries are anticipated.