1. Home
  2. Faculties
  3. Faculty of Transportation Building Engineering
  4. Railway Engineering

Railway Engineering

About Department  

Based on the Institutional Development Plan of the Ministry of Higher Education for the year 1393 (2014), the Department of Railway Engineering was established simultaneously with the creation of the Faculty of Transportation Engineering under the title Railway Engineering. Its establishment was approved through official letter No. 175/515, dated 21/2/1393, issued by the Academic Vice-Chancellery of Kabul Polytechnic University, in accordance with Regulation No. 525, dated 16/2/1393, of the Directorate of Legislation and Institutional Development, under the respected Directorate of Academic Programs Development, General Directorate of Academic Affairs Coordination, Ministry of Higher Education. At the same time, 55 students were admitted to this field through the National University Entrance Examination (Kankor). To date, more than 100 students have graduated from this department.

Objectives

  1. Standardization of the department at the national and international levels
  2. Transforming the department into a research-oriented entity
  3. Standardizing the department in accordance with regional and global benchmarks
  4. Advancing railway engineering knowledge based on the latest scientific achievements
  5. Developing practical training programs for students
  6. Involving students in planning activities and the preparation of departmental tasks

Vision

he Department of Railway Engineering aims to train a new generation of graduates in accordance with regional and international standards. It is taking steps to become a research-oriented department at the national level and to provide services at both national and transnational levels.

Mission

In addition to training skilled professionals to meet the labor market needs of the country, the Department of Railway Engineering engages in conducting quality scientific research and providing professional services to contribute to sustainable community development and the supply of human resources.

Activities

The major activities of this department are as follows:

  1. Educational Activities: Including the preparation and implementation of curricula, conducting theoretical and practical courses, guiding and advising students, and evaluating the quality of teaching by faculty members.
  2. Enhancement of Academic and Professional Capacity: Strengthening the scientific and professional capabilities of the department’s academic staff.
  3. Faculty Development: Recommending faculty members for Master's and Doctoral studies, either domestically or abroad.
  4. Academic Collaboration: Developing academic relations with other educational and sectoral institutions.
  5. Research Facilitation: Establishing facilities for conducting scientific research.
  6. Modern Teaching Methods: Applying contemporary student-centered teaching methods based on research findings.
  7. Student Engagement in Research: Encouraging and involving students in research and publishing their articles in scientific journals.
  8. Quality Assurance Activities: Implementing activities related to academic quality assurance programs.
  9. Student Services: Providing practical training programs, academic and scientific counseling, and internship opportunities for students.
  10. Administrative Activities: Managing the administrative functions of the department.

Facilities

The Department of Railway Engineering operates within the Faculty of Transport Engineering Faculty at Kabul Polytechnic University. This department has four classrooms (equipped with desks, chairs, LCDs, and podiums) as well as the department administration office.

Catalog

People

Department Members

Information of Professor Dr. Mujtaba “Amin”

  1. Academic Qualifications:
    • Bachelor’s Degree: Transportation Engineering, Kabul Polytechnic University
    • Master’s Degree: Structural Engineering, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)
    • Doctoral Degree: Civil and Structural Engineering, Kyushu University, Japan
  2. Email Address: m.amin@kpu.edu.af
  3. Contact Number: 0704198199
  4. Research Fields / Areas of Interest:

His major research interests include impact analysis, nonlinear computational dynamics, and earthquake engineering; multi-physical simulation of structures; soil–structure and foundation interaction; mechanical analysis and performance evaluation of pavement materials; hydraulic interaction of bridges with water flow; impact and pulse mechanics in structures; as well as performance-based assessment and design of buildings and bridges.

  1. Link to Profile: (Annex No. 1)

Information of Asst.t Professor Jalal Mohebi:

  1. Education:
    • Bachelor’s: Engineering, Kabul Polytechnic University
    • Master’s: Transportation Engineering, Kabul Polytechnic University
  2. Email Address: Jalalmohebi89@gmail.com
  3. Contact Number: +93 744 047 368
  4. Research Areas / Interests: Railway infrastructure and superstructure, transportation planning, and transport infrastructure buildings
  5. Profile Link: (Attached as Annex 2)

Information of Asst. Professor Ahmad Farzad Shams:

  1. Education:
    • Bachelor’s: Railway Engineering, Kabul Polytechnic University
  2. Email Address: farzadshams1996@gmail.com
  3. Contact Number: +93 784 218 205
  4. Research Areas / Interests: Structure, railway operations management, and railway infrastructure and superstructure
  5. Profile Link: (Attached as Annex 3)

Information of Asst. Professor Arif Orfan:

  1. Education:
    • Bachelor’s: Railway Engineering, Kabul Polytechnic University
  2. Email Address: ariforfan3@gmail.com
  3. Contact Number: +93 786 357 629
  4. Research Areas / Interests: Geotechnics and transport infrastructure – Railway
  5. Profile Link: (Attached as Annex 4)

Information of Asst. Professor Hanif Marouf:

  1. Education:
    • Bachelor’s: Railway Engineering, Kabul Polytechnic University
  2. Email Address: hmaarouf023@gmail.com
  3. Contact Number: +93 744 997 076
  4. Research Areas / Interests: Structure, railway operations management, railway infrastructure and superstructure, railway signaling and communications, and railway maintenance
  5. Profile Link: (Attached as Annex 5)

Information of Asst. Professor Ramin Todayee:

  1. Education:
    • Bachelor’s: Railway Engineering, Kabul Polytechnic University
  2. Email Address: ramin.todayee5@gmail.com
  3. Contact Number: +93 700 0744 878822
  4. Research Areas / Interests: Railway infrastructure and superstructure, signaling and control systems, railway planning and operations management, railway vehicles, and railway traffic management systems
  5. Profile Link: (Attached as Annex 6)

Staff

Research

Research Areas

The Department of Railway Engineering, as one of the key pillars of transport development and the country’s economic growth, plays a crucial role in training young professionals in the field of transportation and railway infrastructure. Applied research in this department, particularly in the five key areas of infrastructure, planning, management, operations, and maintenance, can significantly contribute to the scientific and practical advancement of this sector at the national level.

In the infrastructure sector, the focus is on the physical aspects of constructing, maintaining, and preserving railway networks. Key topics in this area include:

  • Assessment of Local Materials: Evaluating the quality and usability of indigenous materials such as stone, gravel, and other ballast materials across different provinces, with the aim of reducing transportation costs and supporting the local economy.
  • Modern Rail Construction Methods: Studying innovative track construction techniques, such as ballastless systems in specific sections like tunnels, which require less maintenance. Optimizing traditional track-laying methods to align with Afghanistan’s technical and economic conditions.
  • Economic Route Analysis: Researching priority economic routes that maximize economic returns with minimal track length, such as connecting the Badakhshan lapis lazuli mines, Ghor iron, and Logar copper to the national railway network and neighboring countries’ ports. Studying corridors and analyzing transport models, including traffic modeling and demand forecasting using specialized software to evaluate project feasibility.
  • Bridge and Tunnel Design: Designing and constructing bridges and tunnels with a focus on strength and durability, especially those that must withstand heavy train loads as well as earthquakes, floods, and dynamic forces.
  • Safe and Efficient Tunneling Methods: Implementing rapid and secure tunnel excavation methods that account for unstable and mountainous terrain in Afghanistan, prioritizing worker safety and minimizing potential hazards.

With such a scientific and practical approach, Railway Engineering can become one of the main pillars of sustainable infrastructure development in Afghanistan.

The Department of Railway Engineering can pursue extensive and diverse research in the field of railway network planning and development. Such research may include technical and economic evaluation of new routes, optimizing route selection using modern surveying and modeling technologies, analyzing transport demand and forecasting traffic growth, and examining railway design standards under different climatic and geographic conditions. Additionally, research on the integration of the railway network with other transport systems, evaluating appropriate options for electrification and signaling, and analyzing the role of railways in economic development and regional connectivity can serve as important and effective areas within the planning domain.

In the operations, management, and maintenance sector of the railway network, there are numerous practical and research-oriented opportunities. These topics may include optimizing traffic management and train scheduling, enhancing safety and control systems, analyzing factors affecting operational efficiency, and evaluating methods to reduce operational costs. Additionally, research on preventive and corrective maintenance programs, the use of intelligent monitoring and track inspection systems, increasing the durability of infrastructure and superstructure components, and applying new technologies in control and supervision systems are among the areas that can significantly contribute to improving the quality, safety, and sustainability of railway services in the country.

 

 

Curriculum

The Bachelor’s program curriculum of the Department of Railway Engineering, which was prepared during the third phase of the curriculum cluster review by the Ministry of Higher Education, is currently undergoing the approval process. Once approved, it will be prepared as a PDF file and shared with the Directorate of Information Technology.

Program Learning Objectives

  • Enhancing professional skills based on the latest technological advancements in railway engineering structures
  • Developing understanding, application, and analysis of knowledge in the field of railway engineering
  • Building the capability to design railway engineering structures
  • Enabling active participation in the planning of transport systems
  • Developing the ability to manage, lead, and supervise railway projects
  • Cultivating strong national spirit and effective professional communication skills within national and international frameworks
  • Fostering a sustained interest in learning and teaching
  • Strengthening the ability to work effectively in teams and groups
  • Acquiring research skills and the ability to identify and implement solutions

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Designing, constructing, maintaining, operating, and managing railway projects
  • Providing professional services to society
  • Developing human resources in the field of railways
  • Ability to design transport systems and manage the construction, preservation, and development of transport infrastructure, particularly railways
  • Ability to analyze and evaluate the transportation sector while adhering to safety and efficiency standards
  • Ability to conduct research in railway transportation to improve transport systems
  • Gaining experience in engineering sciences related to the field and developing the ability to analyze and evaluate individual components of railway projects
  • Understanding basic scientific principles as the foundation of engineering knowledge in railway engineering, including fundamental theories, concepts, and scientific experiences
  • Competence in applying codes, standards, and specialized design theories, as well as knowledge and application of various methods for designing railway engineering infrastructure projects
  • Recognition of religious, historical, and cultural values in Afghan society and in the contemporary global context

Annex 1: Information of Professor Dr. Mujtaba “Amin”

Name and Surname:  Mujtaba Amin

Biography or Brief Profile

MUJTABA AMIN is a Senior Lecturer at Kabul Polytechnic University, Faculty of Transportation Engineering. He received his B.Sc. in Transportation Engineering from Kabul Polytechnic University in 2009, M.Eng. in Structural Engineering from the Asian Institute of Technology in 2015, and PhD in Structural Engineering from Kyushu University in 2020. His research interests include impact mechanics, nonlinear computational dynamics, and earthquake engineering, multiphyscic simulation of structures, soil–structure–foundation interaction, mechanical analysis of road pavement and materials, hydraulic interaction of bridges with water flow, seismic pounding in bridge structures and performance-based evaluation and design of buildings and bridges.                                                                                                                                                                             

Research Directions or Areas

His research interests include impact mechanics, nonlinear computational dynamics, and earthquake engineering, multiphyscic simulation of structures, soil–structure–foundation interaction, mechanical analysis of road pavement and materials, hydraulic interaction of bridges with water flow, seismic pounding in bridge structures and performance-based evaluation and design of buildings and bridges.

Publications

Journal Publications .

  1. Amin, M., Kajita, Y., & Chouw, N. (2024). Numerical simulation of impact effect for damage assessment of highway bridge abutments. Australian Journal of Structural Engineering, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/13287982.2024.2388834
  2. Amin, M., Kajita, Y. (2024). Shake Table Experiment on Girder-Abutment Pounding Effect and Its Numerical Simulation. In: Chouw, N., Zhang, C. (eds) Proceedings of the 26th Australasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials. ACMSM 2023. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, vol 513. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-3397-2_70
  3. Amin, M., Kajita, Y. (2024). Numerical Simulation of Impact Effect for Damage Assessment of Highway Bridge Abutments. In: Chouw, N., Zhang, C. (eds) Proceedings of the 26th Australasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials. ACMSM 2023. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, vol 513. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-3397-2_71
  4. Amin, M., (2024) “Effect of overloading and temperature on Mechanistic-Empirical design method of pavement in Afghanistan”, Faculty conference at Kabul Polytechnic University –presentation unpublished 
  5. Amin, M., Warnitchai, P. & Kajita, Y. Seismic performance of highway bridges considering sacrificial abutment: a case study in Afghanistan. Innov. Infrastruct. Solut. 5, 28 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41062-020-0276-2
  6. Mujtaba, (2020) “AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY AND A RIGOROUS NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF POUNDING EFFECT FOR DAMAGE ASSESSMENT OF HIGHWAY BRIDGE ABUTMENTS”, Ph.D., Dissertation, Kyushu University, Fukouka, Japan, https://dl.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11679551
  7. KAMALUDDIN KAMAL and MUJTABA AMIN2,2023 Evaluation of Asphalt Mixtures Containing
  8. Kowkabi. D, Wahaj,k Amin,M (2023) “A parametric Study on load Carrying Capacity of Backfilled Masonry Arch Bridge in Afghanistan, KPU International Journal of Engineering and Technology,2023
  9. A.Mujtaba, (2015). “A Comparison of Seismic Performance of an Isolated Highway Bridge and a Conventional Bridge System in Afghanistan “Master’s thesis, Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, Bangkok.
  10. Mujtaba Amin, Pennung WARNITCHAI, Yukihide KAJITA. (2017). A COMPARISON OF SEISMIC PERFORMANCE OF AN ISOLATED HIGHWAY BRIDGE AND A CONVENTIONAL BRIDGE SYSTEM IN AFGHANISTAN Proceedings of the 13th Annual Meeting of Japan Association for Earthquake Engineering, Paper No. P4-37 (2017年11月)著者
  11. Mujtaba AMIN (2018). Numerical analysis on the characteristic of horizontal resistance of the actual abutment considered with the back fill soil, Vol.64A，pp.699-708（2018年3月）著者 梶田幸秀，朝廣祐介 DOI: 10.11532/structcivil.64A.699
  12. Mujtaba M.Eng.Se, (2016). “Structural Safety of Bridge Piers Considering Flood effect in Afghanistan “on 26th conference at Kabul polytechnic University, Kabul, Afghanistan.
  13. Mujtaba M.Eng.Se, (2016). “Development of Mix Design of Pervious Concrete for Manhole Cover Plate” on 26th conference at Kabul polytechnic University, Kabul, Afghanistan.
  14. Mujtaba Amin, (2016). Performance Based design of Buildings in Afghanistan, 3rd National Urban Conference, Kabul Afghanistan, 2016, 
  15. Mujtaba AMIN, Yukihide KAJITA, Taiji MAZDA (2018). Numerical Simulation of Pounding Effect on Damage Assessment of an Abutment for Highway Bridge Proceedings of the 7th Asia Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Paper ID ACEE0009 (2018年11月) 著者

Courses

UG Courses

  1. Design of Highway bridge
  2. Design of Railway bridge
  3. Transportation Special Structures
  4. Earthquake Engineering
  5. Tunnel Engineering

PG Courses

  1. M.TE0103 Computer Methods of Structural Analysis
  2. M.TE.0223 Finite Element Method in Engineering
  3. M.TE0107 Structural Dynamics
  4. M.TE0317/ M.TE.0224 Earthquake Engineering
  5. M.TE0212/ M.TE.0225 Advance Bridge Engineering
  6. M.TE.0222 Research Methodology
  7. Contact
  8. Address: Kabul Polytechnic University, District 5
    Email:     m.amin@kpu.edu.af
    Phone: 0704198199

Annex 2: Information of Ass. Professor Jalal Mohebi

Name and Surname: Jalal Mohebi

Biography or Brief Profile

 Assistant Professor Diploma Engineer Jalal Mohebi, son of Mohammad Ali, was born in Ghazni Province. He began his higher education in Railway Engineering at Kabul Polytechnic University and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in 2020. He continued his studies and obtained his Master's degree in Highway, Transport, and Railway Engineering from the aforementioned university in 2023. He worked for nearly four years at the Afghanistan Railway Authority. His roles included Technical Engineer for Railway Maintenance in Balkh Province, Coordinator of Operational Utilization Affairs at the Central Railway Authority, and Specialist for Maintenance of Signaling and Communications Systems at the Central Railway Authority and the Ministry of Public Works (MoPW). He currently serves as a member of the academic cadre (Faculty Member) in the Department of Railway Engineering, Faculty of Transportation Engineering at Kabul Polytechnic University.

Research Directions or Areas

  • Railway Superstructure and Substructure
  • Transportation Structures (Transport Buildings)
  • Transportation Planning

Journal Publications Mohebi, J., Nejabi, M.N., "Evaluation of Railway Ballast Selection Using Grading Techniques," Faculty of Transport Engineering, Kabul Polytechnic University, 2024.

Undergraduate (UG) Courses

  1. TERE677 Geometric Design of Railway 1
  2. TERE676 Geometric Design of Railway 2
  3. RE580 Fundamentals of Train Motion Dynamics
  4. B.RE.0640 Research Methods
  5. B.RE.0863 Metro Transportation
  6. B.RE.0531 Transportation Planning

Contact

Kabul, Afghanistan, Karte Mamurin, Kabul Polytechnic University, Faculty of Transportation Engineering, District 5.

 Email: jalal.mohebi@kpu.edu.af  Jalalmohebi89@gmail.com

 Phone No: +93744047368

 

Annex 3: Information of Ass. Professor Ahmad Farzad Shams

Name and Surname: Ahmad Farzad Shams

Biography or Resume Summary

 

Assistant Professor Ahmad Farzad Shams, son of Mohammad Anwar, was born in (1996/1997) in Herat Province. He graduated with top honors from Professor Rasoul Amin High School in 2013 and successfully passed the Kankor (university entrance exam) in 2014. He then began his studies in the Railway Engineering department at Kabul Polytechnic University.

 

He graduated with a Bachelor's degree from the aforementioned university in 2018. After graduation, from 2018 to 2019, he worked as a Technical Assistant in the Railway Operations Department of the Independent Railway Authority.

 

Subsequently, from 2019 to the present, he joined the academic staff of the Railway Engineering Department and currently serves as a member of this department.

Research or Areas of Study

  • Railway Operation Management
  • Structure
  • Superstructure and Infrastructure of Railway

Undergraduate Courses

The details of the courses I teach are listed below:

  1. B.RE.0110 Technology and Society
  2. B.RE.0639 Highway Engineering
  3. B.RE.0755 Safety Motion
  4. B.RE.0758 Operation systems of railway
  5. B.RE.0747 Railway Construction Technology

Contact

Work Address: Kabul Polytechnic University, District 5

Email: farzadshams1996@gmail.com

Phone: 0784218205

 

Annex 4: Information of Ass. Professor Arif Orfan

Name and Surname: Arif Orfan

Biography or Resume Summary

 

Assistant Professor Arif Orfan, son of Sher Agha, was born in 1995 (1374 SH) in Takhar Province. He completed his high school education at Dr. Sayed Hussain Shaheed High School in 2013. Subsequently, in 2015, he successfully passed the national university entrance exam (Kankor) and commenced his higher education in Railway Engineering at Kabul Polytechnic University. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in 2019.

Following graduation, he served from 2020 to 2022 as a Signaling Engineer at the Hairatan Railway Station under the Afghanistan Railway Authority. Since 2022, he has been a member of the academic staff in the Railway Engineering Department, where he currently serves as an Assistant Professor.

He is also currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Transport Infrastructure Engineering, in the thesis semester, at the same university

.

Research or Areas of Study

  • Geotechnic
  • Railway and Transportation structures 

Undergraduate Courses

The details of the courses I teach are listed below:

  1. B.RE.0642 Foundation Engineering
  2. B.RE.0751 Rock Mechanics
  3. B.RE.0636 Railway Cross-section element
  4. B.RE.0754 Project Management
  5. B.RE.0429 Work Safety

Contact

Work Address: Kabul Polytechnic University, District 5

Email: ariforfan3@gmail.com

Phone: 0786357629

 

Annex 5: Information of Ass. Professor Hanif Marouf

Name and Surname: Hanif “Maaruf”

Biography or Resume Summary

 

Assistant Professor Hanif Maaruf, son of Taher, was born in (1998) in Bamiyan Province. He graduated with top honors from Warzagh High School in 2017 and successfully passed the Kankor (university entrance exam) in 2017. He then began his studies in the Railway Engineering department at Kabul Polytechnic University.

 

He graduated with a Bachelor's degree from the aforementioned university in 2021.

Subsequently, from 2023 to the present, he joined the academic staff of the Railway Engineering Department and currently serves as a member of this department.

Research or Areas of Study

 

  • Infrastructure
  • Railway Maintenance
  • Railway Signaling
  •  Railway Operation
  • Substructure and structure

Undergraduate Courses

The details of the courses I teach are listed below:

  1. Railway Maintenance B.RE.0750
  2. Railway Signaling B.RE.0753
  3. Communications Engineering B.RE.0216
  4. Planning and Design of Railway B.RE.0747
  5. Station and Crossing of Railway B.RE.0746

Contact

Work Address: Kabul Polytechnic University, District 5

Email: hmaarouf023@gmail.com

Phone: 044997076

 

Annex 6: Information of Ass. Professor Ramin Todayee

Name and Surname: Ramin Todayee

Biography or Resume Summary

Assistant Professor, Ramin Todeyee, son of Abdul Hamid, was born in 1997 in Faryab Province. After graduating with distinction from Professor Rasoul Amin High School in 2013, he succeeded in the national university entrance examination in 2014 and commenced his studies in Railway Engineering at Kabul Polytechnic University. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the mentioned university in 2018. Following his graduation, from 2019 to 2021, he served as a Technical Assistant at the Afghanistan Railway Authority, contributing in the areas of construction, maintenance, infrastructure preservation, and railway operations. Subsequently, from 2023 to 2025, he worked at the Ministry of Public Works as an Operations Control Specialist for Balkh Province, where he was responsible for supervising and monitoring the Hairatan and Naibabad railway stations. During this period, he actively participated in a four-month railway training program in Turkmenistan, as well as in the international seminar titled “Railway Operation and Management for Developing Countries” held in China. In early 2025, he joined the academic staff of the Railway Engineering Department and commenced his duties as a faculty member.

Research or Areas of Study

  • Railway Track Infrastructure and Superstructure
  • Signaling and Control Systems
  • Railway Rolling Stock
  • Railway Operations Planning and Management
  • Railway Traffic Management Systems

Undergraduate Courses

The details of the courses I teach are listed below:

  1. B.RE.0533 Rolling Stocks
  2. B.RE.0641 Electrical Railway
  3. B.RE.0847 Railway Construction Technology 2

Contact

Work Address: Kabul Polytechnic University, District 5

Email: ramin.todayee5@gmail.com

Phone: 0700/0744 - 878822

 

 

User account menu