TEHRAN - The CEO of the Railways of the Islamic Republic of Iran has highlighted the strategic importance of the Chabahar–Zahedan railway line for the development of the North–South Corridor.
Jabbar-Ali Zakeri said that the nominal annual freight transport capacity on this route is projected at approximately 9 million tonnes. It is estimated that within the first five years of operation, the route will reach a capacity of 5 million tons of freight.
Speaking to reporters in Tabriz on Thursday, Zakeri noted that this is an opportune moment to elaborate on the details of one of the country’s major corridor projects. He added: “The Chabahar–Zahedan railway is a key national infrastructure project. By connecting the oceanic port of Chabahar to the national rail network, it facilitates the transport of goods from the south of the country to northern regions, Central Asian nations, and Russia.”
Referring to the characteristics of Chabahar Port, the railways CEO remarked: “As the country’s only oceanic port, it possesses a sufficient draft to accommodate large vessels. Furthermore, the proximity of the route from India to Iran—and subsequently to Russian markets—is a primary reason for India’s investment in this port.”
He continued, the North–South Corridor, passing through Chabahar Port, establishes a route for transporting goods from the port to Bafq, and onward to the country’s northern regions, Central Asia, and Russia. Additionally, this corridor will facilitate a portion of Russia’s exports and transit trade destined for countries in the Persian Gulf region.