Iran to Launch New Railway Routes to Central Asia

Iran will open new railway routes to Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Türkiye, as announced by the general director of Iran's National Railway Company on July 30.

Jabbar Ali Zakeri said at a press conference that after a five-year break, the Tehran-Van route to Turkey has been relaunched, with preparations underway for railway connections to Merv in Turkmenistan and Dushanbe in Tajikistan, Red Spring reported on July 30, The Caspian Post reports citing foreign media.

Zakeri did not specify when exactly the railway routes to Turkmenistan and Tajikistan would be opened, but stated that the Tehran-Ankara train would be launched within the next two months and the Tehran-Herat train would begin operating in August.

The official emphasised that new railway routes would help strengthen ties between countries, develop tourism, and potentially contribute to regional diplomacy and Iran's railway transport development.

Zakeri noted the need to increase the attractiveness of passenger rail transport, lamenting the shortage of railway lines compared to the increase in rolling stock composition.

He noted that 300 new passenger cars were put into operation this year alone, with 100 freight cars already imported out of 600 contracted cars, a contract signed with China, and technical and financial issues resolved.

Iran will now introduce 40-50 new cars into operation monthly, with Zakeri stating that Iran's railway network will increase by 150-300 kilometres annually.

The expansion of railway connections represents Iran's efforts to strengthen regional trade and transport links despite international sanctions affecting the country's economy.

The new routes are expected to facilitate increased trade flows between Iran and Central Asian countries whilst reducing dependence on alternative transport methods.