Behrouz Aqaei added the Chabahar-Zahedan railroad connects states on the rims of the Sea of Oman and the Indian Ocean as well as East Africa to the CIS countries, Russia and Eastern Europe, IRNA reported.

The official noted, “Once constructed, the railroad can help revive and activate transit of high-quality mineral resources in Afghanistan.”

Once this railroad becomes operational, it will be the most economical rail route for trade in the region, Aqaei said.

He noted that Chabahar port is the safest and least expensive route for exports and imports as well as goods transit among countries such as India and Afghanistan and the CIS countries.

The official said transit will play a very favorable role in the economic prosperity of Sistan and Baluchestan Province.

Domestic and foreign private sector can use the advantages offered by the Shahid Beheshti port of Chabahar and its investment opportunities, once its first phase is completed and its annual cargo handling (loading and unloading) capacity increases to 8.5 million tons, Aqaei said.