HERAT CITY (SW) – The Torghundi port in Herat has seen a significant increase in trade activity in the year 2024, according to officials from the port’s commissioner office.
Hazrat Agha, the head of the Torghundi Port Commission, reported to Salam Watandar that the daily number of freight trucks passing through the port has more than doubled.
“Previously, between 100 to 250 freight trucks would enter the country through Torghundi daily. Now, over 500 trucks are arriving each day, indicating a substantial increase compared to previous years,” Hazrat Agha stated. “We see around 550 trucks both entering and exiting, along with a similar number of taxis. The level of trade at Torghundi port has risen.”
The Herat Chamber of Commerce and Investment has also observed this upward trend. Mohammad Yosuf Amin, the executive director of the chamber, highlighted that goods from Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan are entering Afghanistan through Torghundi. He noted that recent border tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have prompted Afghan traders to reroute their exports through Torghundi.
“Most commercial goods from Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan are imported via Torghundi. Since the border tensions with Pakistan have escalated, traders have opted to export their goods through this port,” Amin explained.
However, Afghan traders call for further improvements and facilities at the port by the Islamic Emirate de-facto government.
Ghulam Habib, an Afghan trader, emphasized the need for more standardized operations at Torghundi. “We need standardized cranes, proper fire services, and adequate and standardized parking for freight trucks, along with suitable offices,” he urged.
Another trader, Mohammad Dawood Achakzai, stressed the need for specific infrastructure developments. “If a sifting device is established here, we won’t have to take our goods to the Islam Qala border. We request our leaders to set up such a device here,” he said.
Torghundi port, located on the border with Turkmenistan, is a crucial entry point for essential commodities like fuel, gas, flour, and other necessities into Afghanistan. In return, Afghanistan exports dried fruits and precious stones to various countries through this port.