By The South Aisa Times

Kabul, Afghanistan – Afghanistan on Friday said that country has built its first railway train engine and soon they will build their own trains.

In a statement on X, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that Afghanistan National Deve,opment Company has built its first train engine.

"We will have our own trains until the construction and completion of our raiwalys tracks in the country," he said.

Taliking to The South Asia Times, Mujahid said that Kabul will soon begin manufacturing its own railway engines as part of a push toward self-reliance and infrastructure development.

He highlighted the importance of a domestic railway system for Afghanistan’s economic growth.

“Our engineers and experts are preparing to build railway engines within the country. Soon, Afghanistan will have its own trains, which will facilitate trade, transport, and connectivity,” he said.

Afghanistan’s railway infrastructure remains underdeveloped, with limited tracks connecting a handful of border regions to neighboring countries. The new initiative aims to expand the network, enabling more efficient movement of goods and people across the country and fostering regional trade links.

Mujahid added that the railway project would prioritize using local materials and workforce, creating job opportunities and reducing costs. He also emphasized the strategic importance of rail connectivity for Afghanistan’s landlocked economy, which relies heavily on road transport and faces significant logistical challenges.

Economic experts have welcomed the announcement but caution that the project will require substantial investment, technical expertise, and international support. “Building railway engines and expanding the network is a complex and resource-intensive process. Afghanistan will need partnerships and technical assistance to realize this ambitious goal,” said Abdul Wali Mohammadi, a Kabul-based economic analyst.

Afghanistan’s neighbors, including Uzbekistan, Iran, and Pakistan, have shown interest in developing cross-border railway links to improve regional connectivity. The new domestic engine manufacturing initiative could complement these efforts, positioning Afghanistan as a transit hub for trade between Central and South Asia.

However, challenges remain, including political instability, security concerns, and a lack of infrastructure. Observers have called for a comprehensive strategy to ensure the sustainability and success of the railway project.

If realized, Afghanistan’s domestically built railway engines could mark a transformative moment for the country’s transportation and economic sectors, offering a pathway to greater self-sufficiency and regional integration.

Taliban returned to power in August 2021 after the US forces pulled out from Afghanistan.