TEHRAN: Iran will open three new railway routes with Afghanistan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan to enhance regional connectivity. According to a report from Press TV, the head of Iran’s national railway company (RAJA) and the deputy minister of roads and urban development, Jabbarali Zakeri, said the project aims to initiate direct train services from Tehran to Ankara, the capital of Turkey. This new route will expand the existing Tehran-Van railway. He mentioned that Iranian and Turkish officials are discussing the financial aspects of this route, particularly ticket prices, and they hope to commence these trips within the next two months. Additionally, Zakeri stated that another project will cover passenger travel between Tehran and the city of Herat in Afghanistan. These services are expected to start soon, once Iran and Afghanistan resolve issues related to travel documentation. This project will facilitate direct travel from Iran to the area near “Rozanak” in Herat, with Iranian contractors completing a 70-kilometer railway between Rozanak and Herat city. Zakeri also noted that the national railway company plans to activate a railway route from Mashhad to the city of Mary in Turkmenistan for passenger travel. According to Zakeri, this railway will strengthen Iran’s economic and commercial ties with Central Asia, providing easier access for Iranian travelers to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
