Tehran is preparing the groundwork for launching railway routes to the cities of Merv (Turkmenistan) and Dushanbe (Tajikistan), further strengthening Iran’s connections with its Central Asian neighbors. This was announced by Jabbar Ali Zakeri, CEO of Iran’s National Railway Company (RAJA), Eurasiatoday.ru reports.
According to Zakeri, these new routes are part of Iran’s broader strategy to modernize its transport infrastructure and enhance regional cooperation.
“The Tehran–Van (Turkey) route has resumed operations after a five-year hiatus, and we are now preparing to establish railway links with the cities of Merv in Turkmenistan and Dushanbe in Tajikistan,” he said.
The exact timeline for when rail service to Central Asian countries will commence has not yet been disclosed.
Zakeri also announced the upcoming launch of two new railway routes that will link Iran with Turkey, Afghanistan, and other Central Asian nations. One of the routes, connecting Tehran with Ankara, is expected to become operational within the next two months. The second, between Tehran and Herat, is scheduled to begin service by the end of next month.
These routes will create new opportunities for the transport of passengers and goods, as well as the implementation of strategic trade and investment projects. A key component of these initiatives is the development of tourist trains.
“Iran’s railway network holds significant historical and cultural value. Tapping into this potential for tourism could generate considerable revenue and create new jobs in the hospitality sector,” Zakeri noted.
The CEO also highlighted the current imbalance between the expansion of railway tracks and the rolling stock fleet. While Iran builds between 150 and 300 kilometers of new rail lines each year, the network requires an upgrade of its train fleet to operate effectively. This year, Iran will receive 300 new passenger cars. A contract has also been signed with China for the supply of additional train cars, he added.
At present, direct air service connects Iran and Tajikistan. Somon Air and Varesh Airline operate flights to Tehran, and the Iranian airline also runs flights between Mashhad and Dushanbe.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
July 30, 2025