Iran Plans New Rail Links to Central Asia, Including Tajikistan

Iran is moving to strengthen transport connections with its Central Asian neighbors, including plans to launch new railway routes to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, and the city of Merv in Turkmenistan.

Head of The Islamic Republic of Iran Railways Jabbar-Ali Zakeri said the initiative is part of Iran’s broader strategy to modernize its transport infrastructure and enhance regional cooperation, The Caspian Post informs via Tajik media.

The precise launch dates for the Central Asia railway connections have not yet been confirmed.

Zakeri also revealed plans for two additional railway lines linking Iran with Türkiye, Afghanistan, and other Central Asian nations. The Tehran-Ankara route is expected to be operational within the next two months, while the Tehran-Herat line is scheduled for completion by the end of next month.

Currently, air connections between Iran and Tajikistan are active. “Somon Air” and “Varesh Airline” operate flights between Dushanbe and Tehran, and Iranian carriers also fly the Mashhad-Dushanbe-Mashhad route.