Afghanistan and Turkmenistan have finalized a $5 million deal to upgrade the Torghundi Port, a vital trade hub in Herat province connecting the two nations. The agreement, signed between Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Works and Turkmenistan’s Demiryollary Gurlushyk, focuses on modernizing infrastructure along the Torghundi–Herat railway corridor. New facilities, including warehouses and advanced loading and unloading systems, aim to boost trade efficiency and strengthen regional connectivity.
Afghanistan’s Efforts for Torghundi Port
The project aligns with Afghanistan’s efforts to establish itself as a key transit link between South and Central Asia, particularly through the Lapis Lazuli Corridor, which extends to Turkey via Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. The upgraded port is expected to handle increased volumes of goods, such as construction materials, agricultural products, and consumer items, fostering economic growth. The deal also includes plans for a 22-kilometer railway extension from Torghundi to Sanobar, managed by Turkmenistan, to enhance logistical capabilities.
What’s Next
This initiative builds on prior collaborations, including a $7 million railway development contract signed in February 2025. Afghan officials view the project as a step toward economic stability, despite challenges like U.S. tariffs on Afghan goods rising to 15% in August 2025. The port’s strategic location near the Turkmen border, coupled with ongoing regional rail projects like the Khaf–Herat line with Iran, positions Afghanistan as a critical node in Eurasian trade networks.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 1st, 2025
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