Azerbaijan, Iran, Russia to hold talks on construction of Rasht-Astara railway line

High-level officials of Russia, Iran and Azerbaijan will convene to discuss the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway line of the International North-South Transport Corridor, said Kazem Jalali, Iranian Ambassador to Russia.

“We plan to hold a trilateral meeting soon with the participation of the foreign ministers, transport ministers, energy ministers, and heads of customs services of Iran, Russia, and Azerbaijan,” Jalali stated, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

The ambassador also noted that an agreement on the implementation of this project is expected to be signed by March 2025.

It is crucial to point out that the 162-kilometer Rasht-Astara railway line is a pivotal segment of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), designed to connect Russia to India via Iran and Azerbaijan, thereby offering an alternative route to the Suez Canal. This project aims to enhance trade efficiency and circumvent Western sanctions. In May 2023, Russia and Iran signed an agreement to jointly finance the design, construction, and supply of goods and services for the Rasht-Astara railway. The total project cost is estimated at €1.6 billion, with Russia providing an intergovernmental loan of €1.3 billion. Construction is expected to be completed by 2028, according to Interfax.com.

The Rasht-Astara railway is a critical component of the INSTC, aiming to facilitate trade between Russia, Iran, and India by providing a more direct and efficient route. This corridor is anticipated to reduce transit times and costs, thereby enhancing economic cooperation among the participating nations.

The collaboration between Russia and Iran reflects a broader effort to establish alternative trade routes and strengthen bilateral ties amidst increasing isolation from Western countries. Despite the strategic importance of the project, it faces several challenges, including financial constraints, geopolitical tensions, and logistical hurdles. However, the project's success will depend on effective collaboration among the involved parties and the ability to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape.

By Khagan Isayev