ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan
2010-09-ED-150 For Immediate Release

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 KABUL, Afghanistan (Sept. 15) - A 75 kilometer rail road main line between Uzbekistan and Mazar-e Sharif, Balkh province was completed recently, opening up economic progress for Afghanistan.

The $165 million project, financed by Japan and the United States, began back in May and was one of the largest construction projects in Afghan history.

The idea of building a railway connection from Termez to the capital of Balkh province was born when the Soviet army withdrew from Afghanistan 30 years ago. A single bridge over a border river was the only passage between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.

Almost half of Afghanistan's imports pass through the border town of Hairatan with the railway expected to handle millions of tons of goods, benefit up to five million people.

Also planned are an additional 25 kilometers for side and switching yards, which are expected to be completed in November.