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The Islamic Republic of Iran Railways (IRIR) is engaged in a significant expansion of its rail network, with the intention of radically increasing rail’s nine per cent modal share (33 million tonnes) of annual freight carried. Over 1600 route kilometres is under construction, connecting four provinces and expanding the network by more than ten percent. The government has also announced domestic traction and rolling stock building programmes. Iran is a critical transhipment route for New Silk Road trade.
The already extensive Iranian railway network is undergoing further expansion, with government announcements on progress with a number of projects. Four provinces are among the regions benefitting from rail projects valued at about 1.3 billion US Dollars equivalent (Iran is currently undertaking a change of currency from Rial to Toman).
Indian Ocean additional port connection a priority
Official statements say the priority is to complete the line from the provincial capital of Zahedan to Chabahar, connecting the Gulf port in the deep south east corner of the country, and potentially providing a rail-connected alternative to the port of Bandar-Abbas for Indian Ocean trade. Three other connections and infill projects are also due for completion within two years. The network, which is almost all standard gauge, runs to 13000 kilometres. It is almost exclusively diesel powered. Rolling stock and traction is built locally, with some additional licence agreements, such as a Siemens contract to build DMUs. Read more
Source: RAILFREIGHT.COM
