Afghanistan cuts reliance on Pakistan, receives first diesel shipment through Khaf-Herat railway

New Delhi. The Taliban administration in Kabul, Afghanistan, made a historic announcement on Monday that the country has received its first diesel shipment via the Khaf-Herat railway line. This is being considered a milestone in Afghanistan's energy supply and international trade. This move will reduce Afghanistan's dependence on Pakistan, as the country now has a new alternative route for the supply of diesel and other commodities.

1,120-ton Diesel Ship Arrives in Herat

Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, a spokesman for the Taliban's Ministry of Public Works, said that 1,120 tons of diesel fuel arrived at Rozanak station in Herat province on Sunday. He shared on the social media platform X that the shipment included 20 wagons filled with Type-02 diesel. While he did not reveal the name of the importer, he confirmed that the shipment belonged to a private company. Haqqeshan said that this supply represents a major step towards economic independence for Afghanistan, and the country will no longer have to rely on Pakistan for its energy needs.

What are the preparations to Increase Trade?

According to the Taliban administration, the Khaf-Herat railway line is strategically crucial for Afghanistan. This project is emerging as a new trade corridor connecting Asia and Europe. This will provide Afghanistan with direct access to international markets through Iran. In March 2024, the Taliban administration sent its first export shipment via this railway. At that time, approximately $1.2 million worth of dried fruits were exported to Turkey and Europe.

What is the Khaf-Herat Railway Project?

This project is a joint initiative between Afghanistan and Iran, connecting Khaf in eastern Iran with Herat in western Afghanistan. Launched in 2007 with Iranian financial support, the project aims to enhance trade, transit, and energy cooperation between the two countries. With the opening of the railway, Afghanistan will no longer have to rely on Pakistani ports for its exports and imports. Experts believe this rail line will strengthen Afghanistan's economic autonomy and regional influence.

Analysts see a major success for the Taliban

Amid ongoing tensions and trade disruptions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, this development is being seen as a diplomatic and economic victory for the Taliban government. This move will not only open new trade routes for Afghanistan but is also expected to increase the country's energy security and revenue. According to international analysts, if this rail project continues to operate smoothly, Afghanistan could become an important hub for regional trade in the future.