Revival of China–Iran Railway Line and Major Transport Projects Announced

TEHRAN (Iran News) Minister Farzaneh Sadegh detailed the government’s latest actions in the fields of ports, rail transport, and aviation.

Sadegh stated that numerous memorandums of understanding have been signed in the port sector, including agreements worth approximately 200 trillion rials with private sector investors. These agreements involve key ports such as Shahid Rajaee Port, Port of Chabahar, and Amirabad Port, along with several others.

She highlighted what she described as a major development in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman region under the current administration, including the signing of a logistics site agreement at Shahid Rajaee Port with Kazakhstan. “What we are witnessing now is economic diplomacy in action,” she said, emphasizing that transport and transit serve as the backbone of Iran’s broader regional economic engagement.

The minister also announced the start of dredging operations in the Arvand River, marking the first such effort since the Iran-Iraq War. She described the project as highly significant for both Khuzestan province and the country as a whole.

Several wartime shipwrecks remain submerged in the river, including the large “Khanian” wreck. Authorities aim to remove the wreckage before the Iranian New Year. Currently, only vessels of 2,000 to 3,000 tons can navigate the river, but after dredging, ships of up to 15,000 tons will be able to pass.

Sadegh said President Masoud Pezeshkian personally follows up weekly on the development of suburban rail systems, particularly around Tehran and other major cities. She cited heavy traffic congestion, air pollution, and road accidents as major reasons for prioritizing commuter rail.

The ministry aims to resolve suburban transit challenges between Tehran and surrounding cities within the next 18 months. Coordination efforts are underway between the national railway company, municipalities, and the Interior Ministry to ensure efficient passenger distribution through low-emission buses, vans, and taxis.

On international rail corridors, Sadegh said Iran has intensified cooperation with neighboring countries including Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Turkey. She emphasized that the long-awaited Chabahar–Zahedan railway—considered a missing strategic link—will be completed by the end of the current year. The project has surpassed 80 percent physical progress.

Additional rail segments connecting Khash to Iranshahr and Chabahar to Nikshahr are also nearing completion, with track-laying progressing rapidly.

The minister confirmed that land acquisition for the Rasht–Astara railway route will be finalized this year. The project is of particular importance to Iran and Russia within the North–South Transport Corridor framework.

Regarding the Shalamcheh–Basra railway, she said demining operations have been completed on the Iranian side, and construction of a bridge over the Arvand River is expected to be finished before next year’s Arbaeen pilgrimage. Iran is responsible for bridge construction, while Iraq will lay the track.

Sadegh announced the revival of the China–Iran freight train after years of suspension, noting that a substantial portion of imported solar panels has recently arrived via this route. The rail corridor now enables cargo movement from China through Iran onward to Europe.

She added that rail links between Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey have resumed, as has freight service connecting Uzbekistan through Turkmenistan to Iran and onward to the Persian Gulf, Sea of Oman, and India. Rail capacity from Russia through the eastern branch of the International North–South Corridor has also increased. “China–Iran”

Passenger services such as the Tehran–Van train have resumed after years of inactivity.

Addressing aviation delays, Sadegh acknowledged that sanctions have impacted aircraft maintenance and fleet expansion. Nevertheless, nearly 2,000 seats have been added with private sector cooperation.

She stressed that while sanctions pose challenges, airlines must uphold passenger rights. The Civil Aviation Organization, she said, monitors airline performance and has required carriers to display passenger rights information at airports and onboard aircraft. “China–Iran”

Despite existing fleet limitations, she emphasized the government’s commitment to improving maintenance standards and reducing delays to better serve public demand.