Iran (IMNA) - The agreement underscores both countries' commitment to enhancing the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and facilitating trade across Eurasia.
Iran's Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh, met with Russian Transport Minister Vladimir Starovoyt on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of regular discussions to expedite shared objectives in completing the North-South Corridor. Sadegh welcomed the Russian delegation and highlighted the rd Caspian Economic Forum in Iran as a crucial opportunity for Caspian nations to strengthen economic, trade, and transport cooperation.
During the meeting, the ministers officially signed the 2025 Transit Roadmap and the engineering annex for the Rasht-Astara railway project, signaling a significant advancement in their strategic partnership. Sadegh expressed optimism that the final construction contract for the railway will be signed by March 2025, pending the finalization of financial and technical details.
Sadegh also confirmed the rapid progress of land acquisition for the Rasht-Astara railway, with completion expected within a year. She applauded Russian President Vladimir Putin's authorization to commence engineering studies ahead of the land acquisition timeline, emphasizing that "This decision by President Putin will significantly accelerate the Rasht-Astara railway project".
Russian Transport Minister Vladimir Starovoyt supported Iran’s proposals and proposed the creation of a Caspian transport consortium, which Minister Sadegh welcomed, noting that Iran and Russia should spearhead the initiative.
The Rasht-Astara railway is a crucial component of the INSTC, a 7,200 km-long multi-modal freight transport route established by Russia, India, and Iran in 2000. The INSTC aims to reduce cargo transportation time between India and Russia, as well as Northern and Western Europe, from over 6 weeks to weeks. Once completed, the Rasht-Astara railway will provide seamless rail connectivity between Russia and Iran along the Caspian Sea's western coast, allowing trains to travel between Central Russia and Iranian ports on the Indian Ocean.
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