Russia prepares transport corridor deals with Qatar, Saudi Arabia PHOTO

Russia is preparing to sign agreements on the International North-South Transport Corridor with several countries, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the Russian Transport Ministry told Russia's state-run RIA Novosti.

The ministry did not provide a timeframe for signing the agreements.

According to the ministry, countries in the Persian Gulf and Southeast Asia have expressed interest in using the transport corridor. Routes toward Pakistan are already being developed, while another route through Afghanistan is being explored in connection with the Trans-Afghan Railway project.

The International North-South Transport Corridor links St. Petersburg with India’s port of Mumbai and stretches about 7,200 kilometres. It consists of three main routes: the Trans-Caspian route, which uses railways and ports, and western and eastern overland routes.

In May 2023, Russia and Iran agreed to complete construction of the final section of the railway on the corridor’s western route. The project was estimated to cost €1.6 billion, including a €1.3 billion Russian loan.

The western route runs from Russia through Azerbaijan and Iran to the Persian Gulf and India. Its main transport hubs include Astrakhan and Makhachkala in Russia, Baku in Azerbaijan, and Rasht and Bandar Abbas in Iran.

By Sabina Mammadli