Iran’s ambassador confirms railway talks with Russia linking Parsabad to Bandar Abbas

Iran and Russia are in discussions about constructing a railway that will connect Parsabad, an Iranian city on the Azerbaijan border, to Bandar Abbas, the country's largest port on the Persian Gulf coast, according to Iran's Ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali.

"Along with the railway line connecting Rasht and Astara, the Russians are also eager to invest in the development of a railway from Parsabad to Bandar Abbas," Jalali remarked during a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Pezeshkian emphasised that "expanding the railway network from north to south is beneficial for the people and the economy of the country, and it can meet the economic needs of both Russia and Iran."

He also instructed that the Rasht-Astara route be expedited.

Meanwhile, Iran is set to begin the construction of a 170-kilometre railway linking Astara and Rasht in 2025, forming a key part of the International North-South Transport Corridor. The project, a joint venture with Russia and Azerbaijan, aims to enhance regional connectivity and economic viability.

Kazem Jalali, Iran’s ambassador to Russia, confirmed the start of the construction, which was initially planned for 2024 but delayed due to unforeseen issues. The €1.6 billion railway will connect Iran's rail network with Azerbaijan's, facilitating smoother trade between Iran, Azerbaijan, and other CIS nations.

Russia has pledged €1.3 billion in financing for the project, which is expected to take three years to complete. Once finished, it will provide an alternative trade route to the Suez Canal, offering a more direct path for goods between Russia and the Persian Gulf.

In parallel, Azerbaijan has upgraded its Astara terminal to improve cargo handling capacity and speed.

By Aghakazim Guliyev