Corridor Development Tops Priorities of the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development

TEHRAN (Iran News) Farzaneh Sadegh Malvajerd made the remarks on Saturday at a ceremony marking Transport Week, attended by President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. She expressed appreciation for all transport-sector stakeholders across road, rail, air, and maritime fields, stating that all professions and associations—from truck, van, bus, and passenger car drivers inside and outside cities to fuel tankers—keep the country’s transit moving.

Sadegh said she had visited the Gachsar road maintenance station the previous night to honor road workers, noting the calloused hands and deep cracks caused by extreme cold and heat. “Their dedication and courage in serving their country truly deserve the highest respect,” she said.

She also thanked private-sector rail workers and all those involved in operations and maintenance—from locomotive drivers and signal operators to workers who clear sand- or snow-covered tracks in harsh weather.

The minister further praised aviation industry workers, saying that during the recent 12-day conflict, despite the closure of airspace, they vigilantly safeguarded public assets. She also expressed gratitude to maritime transport workers, from cargo handlers to sailors and seafarers.

Sadegh added that colleagues at the Meteorological Organization, through accurate forecasting—particularly recent forecasts—helped improve preparedness and reduce risks during rainfall events.

Addressing challenges, the minister said the sector faces significant imbalances as well as accumulated debts owed to contractors and workers. She emphasized that private-sector actors in transport have stood by the nation and that greater regulation and facilitation are needed.

She noted that Iran’s transport and logistics industry differs from others, as supply chains remained active during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 12-day conflict, and other crises—an outcome she attributed to the commitment and resilience of workers, which she described as a defining feature of the country’s logistics sector.

Sadegh said that, following the president’s direct follow-up and emphasis, the government is advancing transport development despite challenges and imbalances. She stressed a program-driven approach, citing the recent promulgation of the National Transit Document by the president, which will bring integrated management with government efforts. The private sector will be a partner, while the government acts as regulator and facilitator.

The minister said efforts are underway to restore Iran’s position as a transit and logistics hub, with corridor development prioritized in line with the president’s emphasis. In transport diplomacy, she noted, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively working, and operational measures to foster cooperation and reconciliation in transport with neighboring countries are integral to all plans. “Ministry of Roads and Urban”

She underscored the goal of removing obstacles facing the private sector, adding that facilitation is embedded across all programs. As examples, she cited the addition of 2,000 airline seats to the aviation industry over the past week, promising rail contracts signed with the private sector, and upcoming contracts in roads and freeways, as well as transport investment packages to be unveiled within the next two months.

In closing, Sadegh said the ministry aims to move the transport industry forward and expressed hope that Transport Week would renew the sector’s collective commitment to the ideals of the late Imam. She said all stakeholders are serving the people, expressing optimism that, with the president’s prudent leadership, strong support from the Ministry of Roads, and robust backing from Parliament—particularly the Civil Commission—the ministry will fulfill its responsibilities to the public with success.