Smart Logistics

DP World Plans Strategic Border Facilities to Unlock Afghanistan’s Trade Potential

Aims to establish multimodal logistics facilities at Torkham and Hairatan

TLME News Service

Global logistics leader DP World is reportedly planning to develop strategic border facilities at Torkham and Hairatan, two of Afghanistan’s most critical trade gateways, as part of its push to strengthen overland connectivity across Asia and the Middle East.

The proposed investment underscores the company’s growing focus on land-based logistics corridors and integrated supply chain infrastructure in high-potential markets.

According to industry sources, DP World aims to establish multimodal logistics complexes at both crossings, equipped with bonded warehouses, truck terminals, and digitized customs processing systems.

The facilities would serve as regional trade hubs, linking Afghanistan’s domestic markets to major transit routes connecting Pakistan, Central Asia, and the Middle East.

Torkham, located on the Afghanistan–Pakistan border, is one of the busiest land crossings for goods moving between South and Central Asia. Hairatan, on the northern frontier with Uzbekistan, serves as a key entry point for fuel, construction materials, and commodities from Central Asia.

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Together, the two sites handle a significant portion of Afghanistan’s overland trade and represent vital arteries in the country’s economic network.

DP World’s initiative is a strategic move to capture trade flows along emerging Eurasian corridors. By improving infrastructure at these gateways, the company aims to reduce transit delays, lower logistics costs, and enhance customs efficiency - factors that could make Afghanistan a more reliable transit route for regional commerce.

The facilities are also expected to integrate DP World’s digital logistics platforms, enabling real-time tracking and streamlined documentation for cargo operators. This digital-first approach aligns with the company’s long-term strategy of building smart trade ecosystems that blend physical infrastructure with data-driven logistics management.

While details of the investment size and timeline have not been publicly disclosed, discussions are said to be ongoing with Afghan border authorities and regional trade partners. Analysts caution that security, regulatory, and financing challenges may influence project execution, though DP World’s global experience in emerging markets could help mitigate operational risks.

When completed, the Torkham and Hairatan projects would significantly expand DP World’s footprint in land-based logistics, complementing its existing network in Central Asia and the Gulf.

The move reflects a broader industry shift toward multi-modal transport integration, as global trade players look beyond ports to connect inland markets and optimize cross-border supply chains.

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