BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 10. Iran and Russia
are set to sign documents related to the Rasht-Astara railway line
within the framework of the International North-South Transport
Corridor (INSTC) on February 14, said the CEO of Iran’s Roads and
Transport Infrastructure Construction and Development Company,
Houshang Bazvand, Trend reports.
Speaking today in Tehran at an international forum on financing
and investment opportunities for road and railway corridors,
Bazvand stated that one of the documents to be signed with Russia’s
Caspian Service company will provide for the transfer to the
Russian side of a 125-kilometer section of land designated for the
construction of the Rasht-Astara railway.
He noted that the second document will define issues related to
the technical and contractor operations of the Rasht–Astara railway
line. “Thus, the technical details of this railway project will be
approved by both sides,” Bazvand said.
The official added that the completion of infrastructure works
along corridors passing through Iran will increase the country’s
transit revenues, noting that transit income could even reach the
level of Iran’s oil revenues.
The ownership of a 125-kilometer section of land for the
Rasht-Astara railway line, part of the broader 162-kilometer route
running through northern Iran, has already been secured from
private landowners as part of the International North-South
Transport Corridor (INSTC) initiative.
Established through an intergovernmental agreement signed by
Russia, Iran, and India on September 12, 2000, the foundation of
the INSTC aims to enhance cargo transit between India and Russia,
as well as to Northern and Western Europe. So far, 13 countries,
including Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Russia, and Turkey, have
ratified the agreement. Currently, the transport route spans over
six weeks, but once the corridor becomes fully operational, this
time is expected to be significantly reduced to just three
weeks.
The Qazvin-Rasht railroad (175 km), which became operational on
March 6, 2019, serves as a vital link connecting Azerbaijan’s rail
network with Iran’s railway system within the framework of the
corridor. The Rasht-Astara railroad will be constructed on Iranian
soil to further integrate the network.
The North-South Corridor comprises three key directions within
Iran: the eastern route connecting Turkmenistan and Central Asian
countries, the central route linking Russia and other nations
across the Caspian Sea, and the western route connecting
Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, and Eastern Europe.
Meanwhile, Russia and Iran signed an agreement on May 17, 2023,
to build the Rasht-Astara railroad in Gilan province in northern
Iran. Nine stations will be built on the Rasht-Astara railroad
line, which is about 163 kilometers long. With the completion of
this railroad, the North-South international corridor will be
improved, and Iran's railroad network will be integrated with the
Caucasus countries, Russia, and Northern European countries.
According to the agreement, the Russian side is expected to spend
1.6 billion euros for the construction of this railroad. This
railroad will be built and completed within 48 months.
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