Iran, Russia & Azerbaijan Aim to Raise Transit Volume: Minister

Iran, Russia, and Azerbaijan are seeking to raise freight transit to 15 million tons annually, the Minister of Roads and Urban Development said on Tuesday, citing rapid progress on key infrastructure along the International North-South Transit Corridor (INSTC).

Farzaneh Sadeq told reporters in the border city of Astara that completing the Rasht–Astara railway – the missing link of the INSTC Corridor – is the government’s top priority. “This project has gained significant momentum in recent months, and land acquisition for about half of the route has been completed,” she said.

Sadeq said land acquisition is Iran’s responsibility, while rail construction, equipment, and financing will come from Russia. She added that Russia has begun taking delivery of the land for its portion, with 34 kilometers handed over so far, and that engineering and feasibility work is underway.

The minister said upcoming bilateral and trilateral meetings would further accelerate the project. - IRNA