Rasht-Astara railway project proceeding with full force: Roads minister
‘Indians will not leave Chabahar’
Roads and Urban Development Minister Farzaneh Sadeq-Malvajerd stated that numerous meetings have over the past six months been held with Russian and Azerbaijani officials to advance the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a key component of which is the completion of the Rasht-Astara railway project.
During her first press conference on Tuesday, Sadeq-Malvajerd outlined the ministry’s priorities, emphasizing the need to adhere to constitutional laws, the Seventh Development Plan, and annual budget regulations.
She highlighted the importance of transparency in operations, ensuring accurate information is shared with the public and oversight bodies.
Sadeq-Malvajerd also stressed the significance of justice in various sectors, including access to rural roads, flights, housing—particularly for the underprivileged—and diverse housing programs.
Regarding the INSTC, she noted that legal concerns over contracts had been raised, and ambiguities were communicated to the Russian side as the Russians insisted on completing land acquisition before proceeding with technical studies.
Sadeq-Malvajerd confirmed that land acquisition along the route will be finalized by the end of next Iranian year (March 20, 2026), and Russia has agreed to conduct technical studies simultaneously.
She assured that funding for the railway fleet and infrastructure remains intact, and the project is progressing with increased momentum.
“Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev has also emphasized the project’s importance, securing a guarantee of 5 million tons of transit from Russia, with expectations to increase this to 15 million tons annually.”
A 2025 transportation cooperation roadmap with Russia has been approved, which includes expanding existing capacities and completing additional corridors.
Warning on overcharging airline ticket prices
Sadeq-Malvajerd warned airlines against selling tickets above approved rates, stating that violators will have their licenses revoked. The Civil Aviation Organization of Iran (CAOI) has been instructed to monitor ticket prices and take action against offenders.
She attributed most flight delays during the Nowruz holidays to weather, safety, and security issues, emphasizing that passenger rights must be upheld in all other cases. Airlines failing to meet obligations may face license cancellations.
Tehran-Isfahan high-speed rail project
Sadeq-Malvajerd pointed to the Tehran-Isfahan high-speed rail project, noting that while Chinese financing was initially at risk of being canceled and reallocated, the ministry’s efforts have secured the funding.
She said the ministry is now working to activate post-financing resources and is optimistic about leveraging asset productivity.
Chabahar Port
In response to questions about India’s presence in Chabahar, Sadeq-Malvajerd confirmed that India will not leave the port, and operations will continue as usual.
Sadeq-Malvajerd also acknowledged the unpredictability of housing project costs due to inflation and rising material prices, noting that the ministry does not regulate utility rates. However, support packages are being developed to assist citizens.
She mentioned efforts to expedite banking facilities, particularly through the Housing Bank, which has accelerated payments in recent months. The ministry is working to connect eligible individuals—over 1.7 million people—to the banking system for housing loans.
The minister acknowledged an imbalance in the rail fleet and stressed the need to address it promptly, with private sector involvement playing a key role.