TEHRAN ( WNAM MONITORING): In a major step toward strengthening transport ties, Iran and Russia signed the 2025 Transit Roadmap, emphasizing the rapid completion of the Rasht-Astara railway.
This key project will enhance the International North-South Transport Corridor, boosting trade and connectivity across Eurasia.
According to Mehr News Agency, Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh, met with Russia’s Minister of Transport, Vladimir Starovoyt, on Tuesday for a bilateral discussion on expanding transport cooperation.
Welcoming the Russian delegation, Minister Sadegh stated that regular meetings between the two nations are essential to accelerating the shared goals in completing the North-South Corridor.
She highlighted the ongoing 3rd Caspian Economic Forum, hosted by Iran with Russian participation, as a pivotal moment for economic, trade, and transport cooperation among Caspian nations.
During the meeting, both sides signed the 2025 Joint Transport and Transit Cooperation Roadmap along with an annex on engineering studies for the Rasht-Astara railway project. Sadegh expressed optimism that the final construction contract for the railway would be signed by March 2025, once financial and technical details are finalized.
Sadegh confirmed that land acquisition for the Rasht-Astara railway is progressing rapidly, with completion expected within a year. She welcomed the announcement by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who authorized the start of engineering studies even before finalizing the land acquisition timeline. “This decision by President Putin will significantly accelerate the Rasht-Astara railway project,” she noted.
Russian Transport Minister Vladimir Starovoyt, for his part, endorsed Iran’s proposals and suggested forming a Caspian transport consortium. Iran’s Minister welcomed the idea, stating that Iran and Russia should take the lead in implementing this initiative.
At the end of the session, both ministers officially signed the 2025 Transit Roadmap and the engineering annex for the Rasht-Astara railway project, marking a milestone in their strategic partnership.
