Nargiza Umarova’s article examines how Uzbekistan continues to advance the Kabul Corridor despite rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The piece highlights that the Termez–Naibabad–Maidanshahr–Logar–Kharlachi railway remains a strategic infrastructure priority for Tashkent, Kabul, and Islamabad, as it could create the shortest overland connection between Central Asia and South Asia.
The article underlines that recent upgrades to the Hairatan–Mazar-i-Sharif railway and the expansion of facilities at Naibabad station demonstrate Uzbekistan’s practical commitment to improving cross-border logistics with Afghanistan. These steps are not isolated technical measures, but part of a broader effort to strengthen Afghanistan’s role as a transit link and reduce the region’s dependence on longer maritime routes.
Umarova also notes that repeated disruptions at Afghanistan–Pakistan border crossings have increased the importance of northern transit routes through Central Asia. In response, Uzbekistan is seeking to ease pressure on existing railway hubs and border stations, including by proposing the redirection of some freight traffic from the congested Saryagash–Keles crossing to the Oasis crossing point in Karakalpakstan.
Overall, the article shows that the Afghan–Pakistani conflict has complicated, but not halted, the development of the Kabul Corridor. For Uzbekistan, the project remains a key element of its wider strategy to expand regional connectivity, diversify trade routes, and position Central Asia as a bridge between Europe, Eurasia, Afghanistan, and South Asia.
* The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.
