Military's Rail Mission in Afghanistan

The U.S. war in Afghanistan is also a broad infrastructure building effort, according to military officials who talk about a rail building effort known as the Silk Road Initiative

1 minute read

January 25, 2011, 7:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg

"[O]nly 7% or the roads in Afghanistan are paved; about 90% of crops there rot before they make it to market; the country is rich in coal and mineral deposits, but without rail those resources are virtually moot. Last summer, a 75-kilometer rail line opened from the country's northern border to the city of Mazar-e-Sharif-the first rail line in the nation's history-but more track is needed, and the Afghanis need training on how to operate and maintain a railroad."

Transportation Nation talks with Colonel Ted Hodgson, of the US Central Command and a member of the Afghan Future Working group, about the rail building efforts.

FULL STORY: From Aid to Trade in Afghanistan: How the U.S. Military is Helping Develop Rail

Monday, January 24, 2011 in Transportation Nation

Government / Politics Infrastructure Transportation Middle East Rail Afghanistan War U.S. Military View More

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