Russia, Iran advance Rasht-Astara railway project to boost Eurasian trade

Russian Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin held a working meeting with Iranian Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development Houshang Bazvand to review progress on the Rasht-Astara railway construction project in Iran.

The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral coordination, exchanging technical expertise, and ensuring the successful implementation of the project — a key infrastructure component within the broader framework of the North-South International Transport Corridor (ITC), Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian Ministry of Transport.

The sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation and high-level oversight of the initiative.

“This project is one of the key elements of transport cooperation between our countries and an important part of the work of the North-South international transport corridor,” Minister Nikitin stated. “Its implementation is being closely monitored at the highest levels in both Russia and Iran.”

The Rasht-Astara railway line is expected to serve as a vital link connecting Iranian and Azerbaijani railway networks, thereby enhancing regional connectivity and facilitating faster and more efficient freight movement between Europe, Russia, and South Asia.

Preliminary and exploratory work on the railway began in May, following agreements signed between Moscow and Tehran. Once completed, the line will significantly boost the capacity of the North-South ITC, positioning it as a viable alternative to traditional maritime routes.

By Vafa Guliyeva