Iran rolls out nearly 2,000 locomotives, wagons
Iran’s Deputy Minister of Industry, Mine, and Trade announced the production of 1,975 locomotives, wagons, bogies, and car bodies in the first eight months of the current Iranian year (March 20–November 20, 2024).
The announcement was made during the third meeting of the Rail Committee of the Industrial Development and Renovation Organization of Iran (IDRO).
According to IRNA, Farshad Moghimi, head of IDRO, stated during the meeting on Wednesday that the production target for the current year was set at 3,858 units.
He noted that the production of 1,975 units in eight months marks an increase compared to the same period last year, when 1,792 units were produced.
Moghimi emphasized IDRO’s focus on integrating supply and demand chains, consolidating resources, reducing costs, and improving quality in the rail industry.
Speaking at the meeting, Hamed Ameli, Deputy Minister of Machinery and Equipment Industries at the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade, highlighted the challenges of registration, currency allocation, and customs procedures within the rail sector.
He stated that efforts are underway to streamline processes, shorten procedures, and resolve existing issues.
Ameli also called on rail industry associations to submit proposals for addressing these challenges.
During the meeting, managers of rail production units outlined key issues facing the industry. These include the unfavorable economics of rail transportation, difficulties in leveraging opportunities under the law on removing production barriers, the aging fleet of freight and passenger wagons, limited orders, and the inability to modernize the fleet due to economic constraints.
Iran has made significant strides in locomotive and rail car production over the past year, reflecting the country’s commitment to expanding its rail infrastructure and reducing reliance on road transportation.
To address challenges in this sector, Iran is focusing on integrating supply and demand chains, consolidating resources, and improving the quality of rail manufacturing.
These efforts aim to position the rail sector as a more competitive and sustainable component of the country’s transportation network, supporting both economic growth and environmental goals.