Trans-Afghan trade route has solidified its growing role in regional logistics

By: Business Desk

Kabul — The Trans-Afghan trade route has solidified its growing role in regional logistics, transporting more than 5 million tonnes of cargo in 2024, outpacing the 4.5 million tonnes moved along the rival Trans-Caspian or Middle Corridor, recent trade figures show.

In a significant development for Central and South Asian connectivity, over half of the freight moved along the route consisted of foreign goods transiting through Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. This underscores the corridor’s emergence as a vital transit bridge between Central Asia, South Asia, and beyond.

Industry experts note that stability in Afghan border customs, streamlined rail-road interconnectivity, and coordinated logistics operations with Uzbekistan and Pakistan have contributed to the route’s success.

“The Trans-Afghan corridor is no longer just a theoretical trade route—it is now a functioning lifeline in the Eurasian logistics chain,” said a senior logistics analyst in Tashkent.

The corridor has gained further importance amid shifting geopolitical currents, where businesses seek alternatives to traditional Russian and Caspian supply chains. With improvements underway—including rail extensions, digital customs tracking, and investment in dry ports—trade analysts forecast further volume growth in 2025.