Tehran-Ankara and Tehran-Herat trains set to roll in coming months
Rail services to Tajikistan’s Merv, Dushanbe now operational
The head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways announced plans to launch a Tehran-Ankara train within the next two months and a Tehran-Herat train in the coming month.
Speaking on Sunday at a ceremony for investment in the passenger rail fleet, attended by the Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Jabar Ali Zakeri referenced the recent launch of the Tehran-Van train after a five-year hiatus, adding that the launch of trains for travel to the cities of Merv and Dushanbe in Tajikistan has also begun, IRNA reported.
Zakeri expressed hope that the new rail services would foster stronger ties between nations.
The deputy minister of roads and urban development also highlighted the development of tourist trains, noting that Iran’s railway system has historical significance and that tourism-oriented rail activities could generate substantial revenue and appeal.
He emphasized that while the freight sector aims to achieve projected capacity, enhancing the economic viability of passenger rail remains critical. However, he identified the primary challenge as the "mismatch between rail infrastructure and fleet development."
Zakeri stressed, "Annually, 150 to 300 kilometers are added to the national rail network, yet government funding for fleet expansion remains inadequate."
He underlined that the "policy of maximizing private sector participation and investment requires foundational government support."
The CEO further noted that under existing approvals, "300 passenger wagons will join the network this year with state support."
Regarding prior private investments, he stated, "100 freight wagons (of 600 planned) have been integrated into the rail network. For passenger wagons, a contract with a Chinese partner has been finalized, with financial and technical issues resolved."
Zakeri expressed optimism about "adding 40 to 50 wagons monthly to the rail network."
Rail transport expansion
Addressing the ceremony, Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadeq Malvajerd emphasized that, "Rail transport expansion is a top priority in joint economic commissions with neighboring countries," adding that efforts focus on "ensuring uninterrupted rail connectivity despite internal bottlenecks and border challenges."
The minister underscored that, "Improving the freight volume-to-capacity ratio will significantly advance Iran’s development," citing the country’s "regional advantage in cost-effectiveness, safety, and logistical ease."
Referring to passenger rail shortcomings, Sadeq Malvajerd acknowledged that the country is "far from achieving the target of 500 locomotives and 900 passenger wagons, necessitating private-sector involvement."
She concluded that, "Unwarranted interference in private-sector activities must be avoided."