Iranian wagons authorized to operate in three Central Asian countries: Official
Director General for International Affairs at the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development Amin Taraffo emphasized on Tuesday the country’s efforts to maintain its pivotal role in regional transit, announcing the complete lifting of restrictions on the movement of Iranian wagons in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
“Permission was obtained for Iranian wagons to operate in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan,” he said, whereas before, Iranian wagons were not allowed to travel in Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries.
Pointing to the challenges and restrictive conditions inside and outside the country that put transit through Iran under pressure, Taraffo described the ministry's strategy as "mobility" with the aim of providing cheap, smooth, and high-speed access to transportation.
The official added that infrastructure development, despite limited resources, has been prioritized, especially key projects that ensure Iran's rail connection to its neighbors and trans-regional markets.
Taraffo underlined that the restriction removal was achieved under the “anti-isolationist policies” of the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, which aims to maintain the global transportation chain's reliance on Iran's route.
Highlighting Iran's role as one of the safest and most economical transit routes in the region, Taraffo said, “Even if alternative routes are created in the region, including connecting Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan via other paths, Iran's route will still remain the best option due to its economic, security, and infrastructural advantages.”