Tehran, Iran–Iran will begin construction work on joint railway projects with Russia as part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
“The preliminary steps and obtaining the necessary permits for the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway have been carried out by the Iranian side, and we hope that with the cooperation of the Russian side, the construction of this important railway line in the North-South corridor will begin as soon as possible,” said Mohammad Mokhber, first Vice President on Tuesday during a meeting with Russian presidential aide Igor Levitin.
Iran and Russia view the 162 km (100-mile) railway along the Caspian Sea shoreline as a crucial component of the INSTC, a corridor facilitating connectivity between India, Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, and other nations through railways and sea routes.
Pointing to another major joint project, Mokhber said the design proposals and contracts for the Astara-Bandar Abbas railway have also been reviewed by both the Islamic Republic of Iran and Russia.
He said this railway project can play a significant role in increasing the volume of trade and transit exchanges along the North-South corridor.
“The commitments of the Iranian side in constructing the rail lines in this corridor have been fully observed and are being implemented. Both the private sector and governmental investors from both countries need to promptly engage in the construction of this corridor,” the vice president stated.
Igor Levitin, in turn, said Russia will seriously pursue the construction of the North-South corridor in coordination with the Iranian side.
He said a working group was being established to examine “the roadmap for cooperation” between Iran and Russia in this regard.