Iraq launches first combined rail transit route to Afghanistan

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Transport announced on Monday that the country's first combined railway transit line has been activated between Iraq and Afghanistan. The general director of railways for the Arak and Kermanshah regions confirmed the launch of the inaugural combined transit shipment, routed through the Kermanshah freight station. According to the ministry, the cargo entered Iranian territory through the western border crossing and completed required logistics procedures at the Kermanshah freight station before being connected to Iran's national railway network. The shipment continued eastward toward its final destination in Afghanistan. The ministry described the operation as a step toward developing regional transit corridors and expanding the role of the railway network in international freight transport. It added that the route is expected to reinforce the west–east transport axis and help reduce logistics costs. No further details on cargo volumes, scheduling or participating operators were immediately available.