"As for the prospects of the railway, we hope it can help establish communication not only with Turkmenistan, but with all the countries of Central Asia and Russia. Through Georgia and Azerbaijan, we could build rail links with Europe. Trade prospects for the transport network deserve special attention. We can speak about an increase in the import of foreign products… and our exports to various countries," Baligh said.
He said that the volume of goods transported via the Atamyrat — Imamnazar — Aqina railroad would amount to some one billion tonnes in 2017, increasing to 3 million the following year.
The minister added that the Afghan authorities were planning to build over 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles) of railway lines in all directions available within about ten years.
