HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): Construction work on the second phase of the Herat-Khawaf railroad has been launched in western Herat province, an official said on Monday.
Deputy Governor Maulvi Hayatullah Mohajir Farahi hailed the start of work on the railway line as a positive step towards the economic development of the country, especially of Herat.
He said facilities would be provided to businesspeople in terms of transportation of commercial goods on completion of the project.
The deputy governor emphasised on the timely and quality implementation of the project by the contracting firm.
Farahi promised the provincial administration would cooperate with the contractor in ensuring security and providing necessary facilities.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan Railway Authority (ARA) Director Mullah Bakht-ul-Rahman Sharafat said Afghanistan would be connected with the neighbouring and regional countries through the railroad.
He believed passengers would be facilitated, the cost of goods transportation reduced and jobs provided for thousands of people.
General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) firm officials told the inaugural ceremony the project would account for 53 million US dollars and take 18 months to complete.
They said the Herat-Khawaf railway line was 225 kilometers long, with140 kilometres of the track located in Afghanistan and 85 kilometres in Iran.
One thirds of this railway line (64 kilometres) goes through Zinda Jan, Anjil and Ghorian districts of the province before reaching the Herat airport.
In addition to generating job opportunities, the railway line connects Afghanistan to the Chabahar port of Iran and to Turkey, European countries and India.
kk/mud
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