WANA (Jan 02) – The Director-General of Southeast Railways, Bahadori, announced that the construction of the Zahedan-Chabahar railway, which began in 2013, will be completed and operational by late 2025.

 

Bahadori stated that the 634-kilometer route was divided into eight sections for construction. In 2023, sections 7 and 8, connecting Zahedan to Khash, were completed and inaugurated.

 

Once operational, the railway will link Chabahar, Iran’s only oceanic port, to the national rail network, providing connectivity to Central Asia, the Caspian Sea region, and Europe. Bahadri highlighted that this rail line is part of the North-South Corridor and will play a crucial role in facilitating the transit of goods.

 

He also noted that China and India, which currently use Bandar Abbas for most of their import and export activities, will have the option to utilize the oceanic port of Chabahar for trade.

 

The Zahedan-Chabahar railway is expected to transport over 2 million passengers annually, significantly reducing road traffic accidents in the region.

 

The North-South Corridor is a strategic trade route connecting India, Iran, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe. It links the Indian Ocean (via Chabahar and Bandar Abbas ports) to Caspian Sea and Eurasia through Iran’s rail and road networks.

 

This corridor offers a faster, cost-effective alternative to traditional maritime routes like the Suez Canal, reducing freight travel time by up to 40%.

 

Key projects include the Zahedan-Chabahar Railway, crucial for integrating Iran’s infrastructure with the region. It facilitates trade, enhances Iran’s role as a transit hub, and supports economic connectivity while bolstering geopolitical cooperation among member countries.