Iran is strengthening its transport and transit cooperation with neighboring countries, with Turkmenistan named as a key partner. The announcement was made by Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh during a meeting with the parliamentary committee on urban development, Trend reports.
According to Sadegh, transport infrastructure remains one of Iran’s top priorities. As part of the International North–South Transport Corridor, construction of the Rasht–Astara railway is underway, while work on the Chabahar–Zahedan line is progressing rapidly. The project is expected to link Iran’s southern port with inland regions and open new transit routes to Central Asia, including Turkmenistan.
The eastern branch of the North–South corridor, connecting Iran with Turkmenistan and other Central Asian states, is particularly important. It will allow cargo to reach Russia and Europe in less than half the current time.
Sadegh also noted that the Shalamcheh–Basra railway with Iraq is expected to be completed in the coming years, further enhancing Iran’s transit capacity.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
Sept. 4, 2025