TEHRAN (Iran News) “Rail transport plays a vital role in energy consumption, travel speed, and reducing air pollution,” he said, noting that railway development is now considered a key indicator of a country’s progress. “We must set our goals based on this understanding and allocate resources accordingly.”

Kouchi criticized the current approach to managing the country, pointing out that Iran spends around 5,000 trillion rials annually on fuel subsidies. He argued that such funds should instead be directed toward infrastructure development, including the long-neglected railway sector.

Citing World Bank statistics, Kouchi noted that Iran ranks 64th among 90 countries in railway development. However, he added that recent investments mark a positive shift in direction.

Referring to Iran’s Seventh Development Plan, Kouchi stated that one of the key mandates is to shift 30% of passenger and freight transportation to the rail network by the end of the plan period. “Out of 50 million tons of cargo and 35 million passengers transported annually, 30% should move through rail,” he explained.” Railway Network”

He also praised private sector involvement in rail investments, stressing that such initiatives align with the Seventh Development Plan. “We need support from both Parliament and the government in funding and coordination,” he said.

Kouchi highlighted the disparity between road and rail infrastructure accessibility. “While roads are readily available to cargo owners, rail networks are not equally developed across the country, which limits usage.”

Currently, the railway system carries only a small share of Iran’s passenger and freight loads. Kouchi said expanding the network would increase its appeal for travelers and cargo operators alike.

He also called for the adoption of modern technologies, pointing out the lack of electric and high-speed trains in Iran. “We must move toward using high-quality, high-speed rail to make it a viable alternative to private car use.”

In closing, Kouchi stressed the importance of building trust and creating incentives for private investors. “If we fail to build trust, we’ll continue to see unfinished infrastructure projects — over 70,000 of them — and miss the opportunity to institutionalize private sector participation in national development.”

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