First Transit Train from Russia Arrives in Iran’s Capital

WANA (Nov 08) – The first train from Russia traveling through Turkmenistan reached Iran’s Tehran Dry Port (Aprin) today, carrying 62 forty-foot containers loaded with paper, pulp, and related products destined for Iran and Iraq.

The train began its journey approximately 900 kilometers north of Moscow and passed through Russia, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan before entering Iran via the Incheh Borun border, arriving at Aprin Dry Port in just 12 days.

Officials noted that organizing a train of this scale required extensive coordination among multiple institutions, including the rail authorities of transit countries, customs offices, rail forwarders, cargo owners, and consignees. The successful completion of this journey represents a major milestone for the North-South Corridor.

“This initiative is not only an important step in strengthening trade ties between Iran and Russia but also marks the beginning of regular train services between Iran, Russia, and neighboring Central Asian countries,” said Morteza Jafari, Deputy for Commercial and Operational Affairs at the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways (RAI).

Jafari added that currently, on average, one train arrives from Russia every 10 days, and plans are in place to increase this frequency in the near future. The first train departed from Moscow and reached Iran in about 10 days. After unloading, part of the cargo will be transported from the dry port to Iraq.

On the development of dry ports and logistics centers in Iran, Jafari stated, “Our overarching policy is to expand these centers across the country to reduce wagon congestion at main ports and to locate logistics hubs near major cities and consumption centers. This will ensure faster and more efficient rail transport.”

He also highlighted international cooperation, noting collaboration with CIS countries, including Russia, as well as Turkey, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, for import, export, and transit operations.

The train carried approximately 60 containers, each averaging 25 tons. Jafari expressed hope that with the expansion of logistics infrastructure, Iran’s rail transport capacity, especially on northern transit routes, will continuously increase.

First Transit Train from Russia Arrives in Iran’s Capital. Social media/ WANA News Agency