Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates are preparing to jointly develop a proposed railway route linking Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan, with the line extending to Pakistani seaports.

The three countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation under the proposed CASA railway project, according to the Kazakh government’s press service.

The agreement was signed by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport and the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have established railway networks and significant transit potential, while the UAE brings international experience in transport infrastructure, logistics and large-scale investment projects.

By combining their respective capabilities, the countries aim to move the CASA project toward practical development and identify the most effective mechanisms for its implementation.

The sides also discussed the next steps for cooperation. Among the proposals is the creation of a joint working group to examine the project’s technical, economic and financial aspects.

The proposed route would create an additional rail connection between Central Asia and Pakistan, potentially giving Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan access to Pakistan’s seaports and strengthening trade and transit links across the region.

The CASA railway project refers to a proposed rail corridor designed to connect Central Asia with South Asia through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Proposed route

Kazakhstan → Uzbekistan → Afghanistan → Pakistan → Pakistani seaports

The project is intended to create a new overland route for moving cargo from Central Asia to Pakistan’s ports, giving landlocked Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan an additional connection to international maritime trade.

For Kazakhstan: It could provide another route to international markets and Pakistani seaports, complementing existing corridors such as the Middle Corridor.

For Uzbekistan: The route could strengthen its role as a Central Asian transit hub and provide additional access to South Asian markets.

For Afghanistan: A railway connection could improve its position as a transit country between Central and South Asia.

For Pakistan: The project could increase its role as a gateway to the Arabian Sea and facilitate trade with Central Asian countries.

For the UAE: The UAE brings experience in logistics, transport infrastructure and large-scale investment, which is why it is participating in the project's development.