Afghanistan may be unlikely focal point in circular intermodal transport scheme

International interest in Afghanistan as a transit hub is growing, with Kazakhstan being one of the key players in setting up logistics through the Afghan mountains. The latter is now suggesting a circular intermodal route, where Chinese goods are supposed to transit Kazakhstan on their way to Afghanistan, which then sends goods back to China via maritime transport.

Afghanistan holds the keys to greater interconnectivity in the Central Asian region, for which reason it has drawn interest from crucial logistics players. Among those is Kazakhstan, which seeks to claim a place as an important transit hub in the area.

It is now looking to boost logistics to Afghanistan, which is not only challenging due to the difficult terrain, but the likely return of empty containers makes logistics economically less viable. To make the route more economical, Kazakh Railways (KTZ) is now proposing a circular transportation route: Chinese goods will transit Kazakhstan on their way to Afghanistan, where the then-empty containers will be loaded with local freight destined for China and sent on their way by truck and via Pakistan’s Karachi port. Presumably, KTZ then does not have to transport whatever empty containers from Afghanistan are being returned.

Other options

Alternatively, KTZ is proposing that the train returns from Afghanistan with Afghan goods destined for Kazakhstan. Then, once unloaded, Kazakhstan can load its own goods onto the train and export them to China.

Kazakhstan is cooperating with neighbouring Uzbekistan to make an Afghan connection a reality. The two countries have agreed to establish a joint venture to develop a railway across Afghanistan, which could pave the way for a direct rail link to the Indian Ocean: something that the landlocked countries of Central Asia will be happy with to diversify their logistics options.

European Silk Road Summit 2024

Central Asian rail freight is one of the key topics to be discussed at the European Silk Road Summit 2024, taking place in Vienna on 27-28 November.

Registrations for the yearly event are already open, while the programme, which this year highlights the fast-recovering China-Europe rail market, is shaping up.