From Uzbekistan to Pakistani Ports: A New Railway Project to Be Prepared
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to jointly develop a railway project that envisages access to Pakistan's seaports through Afghanistan. The ministries responsible for the transport sector of the three countries signed a memorandum of cooperation.
**A new railway project from Uzbekistan to Pakistani ports will be prepared**
According to the "Dunyo" news agency, citing the Kazinform publication, this initiative will cover the Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan — CASA route.
The main goal of the project is to strengthen railway connections between Central and South Asia, increase the volume of international freight transport, and expand trade and logistics opportunities. It is also planned to create access to Pakistani seaports through this route.
Within the framework of the memorandum, the technical and economic aspects of the project will be studied. In particular, the possibilities for developing the necessary infrastructure, financing mechanisms, and project implementation conditions will be assessed.
The parties also discussed the issue of establishing a special working group for the detailed development of the CASA project.
The initiative envisages utilizing the existing railway networks and transit potential of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, the UAE is expected to participate in the process with its experience in transport, logistics, and the implementation of large investment projects.
For now, the report does not provide information on the project's cost, or the start and completion dates of construction. The signed memorandum envisages cooperation on the joint study and development of the project.