Hello! A little about me…
In June 2024 I set up Train of Thought, a side research project to explore sustainable infrastructure projects in Asia and study their impact. I had been working and travelling in the region for over a decade prior. But it was only last year that I chose to specifically explore the transport infrastructure. Also to see for myself what is going on. So from June 2024 to January 2025 I travelled across Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Tajik/Afghan border regions and India to explore sustainable solutions to the challenges facing major railways and large-scale transport infrastructure projects.
My mission here is to create concise, clear and sharp analytical material written in simple English (no Chat GBT!) on railway plans in Afghanistan and Central Asia, mapping the stakeholders, creating custom maps of the planned and existing routes, and unpacking the latest developments in the field.
This will require regular updates and monitoring as there are lot of moving parts and on the ground changes.
I will be leveraging my 10 year on the ground experience, OSINT research skills, trawling through various local language sources (Uzbeki, Russian, Pashtu, Dari, English, Tajiki, Persian).
The most important part of this project is producing high quality, independent, and reliable research.
No fluff, no nonsense and no flowery language. Just direct, pithy and sharp analysis. My research will be enhanced and grounded with the kind input from my local industry and source network on the ground.
My aim here is to to help see the bigger picture. To separate and unbundle the noise from the reality. And make sense of the “hows” and “whys” of railway development in Afghanistan, and the wider Central Asia.
Best, Sophia Nina B-A
Disclaimer
This project is something I have started independently. While some may find it hard to believe, or consider very “niche,” I am genuinely fascinated and deeply curious about railways in Afghanistan and the region.
With that being said, these pages are entirely unofficial and not political. And I do not offer any transport services.
Also information about railways in Afghanistan and the Central Asia region is often vague or incomplete. I have tried my best to supply accurate information and piece the gaps together logically with what I can find in open sources and with the input of credible local experts. I cannot guarantee its 100% accuracy or completeness.
If you have additional information, corrections, or insights, I would be very grateful to hear from you
Contact: snbaa@proton.me
