“The launch of full-scale trans-Afghan routes could significantly reshape the economics of Eurasian transit. Most importantly, cargo delivery from Kazakhstani ports to Pakistani ports could be reduced to 10-12 days, roughly 2.5 to three times faster than the traditional maritime route through the Suez Canal, which typically takes 35-45 days.” “Cost reductions are also significant. Overland transit through Afghanistan could lower logistics costs by at least 15-20% during the initial phase, with potential savings rising to 30-40% once railway capacity expands and customs procedures are streamlined.” “For Kazakhstan, the route carries strategic importance in terms of export diversification. Kazakhstan’s grain and flour exports to Afghanistan have already reached 1.5 million tons annually. Expanded railway infrastructure would not only increase these volumes but also broaden access to South Asian markets, including India.” “The development of a southern branch of the Middle Corridor through Afghanistan could be of considerable strategic interest to China as part of the diversification of its Belt and Road Initiative.” “Afghanistan’s resource base, including copper, lithium, and rare earth elements, is particularly important. Integrating these resources into a broader transport and logistics system could transform the corridor into part of a wider industrial chain encompassing extraction, processing, and export. For China, this would provide access to strategic raw materials and an opportunity to integrate new territories into its production networks.” “First, it would reduce reliance on maritime routes, particularly the Strait of Malacca, which remains vulnerable in the event of conflict or blockade. The western trans-Afghan branch could create an alternative overland route to the Indian Ocean via Karachi and Gwadar that would be far more difficult to disrupt…”
See also: Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) map