BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 21. Iran's efforts to integrate its railway network with those of neighboring countries are under intense focus, said Jabbar Ali Zakeri, Chairman of the Board and President of the Railways of Iran (RAI), Trend reports.
Speaking at an event organized in Tehran on April 20 on the signing of a memorandum on the purchase of railway vehicles between the Iranian Railways Company and two local companies, Zakeri emphasized that if Iran continues its efforts within the framework of the North-South and East-West international transport corridors, the country could facilitate the transportation of 40 million tons of cargo per year in the long term.
He also pointed out that last year (from March 20, 2024, through March 20, 2025), 5 million tons of cargo were transported via Iran's railways. For the year ahead (from March 21, 2025, through March 20, 2026), rail cargo transportation is expected to reach eight million tons. However, the official added that with further development, the country's rail network could potentially handle up to 15 million tons of cargo annually.
The CEO revealed that Iranian Railways is working to acquire 550 locomotives, 300 passenger cars, and 3,000 freight wagons. To finance the purchase of these vehicles, the company plans to utilize loans from foreign countries.
A memorandum was signed between the Iranian Railways Company and two local firms for the purchase of more than 2,000 transport vehicles, worth a total of $750 million.
Currently, Iran's railway network spans a total of 14,984 kilometers, utilizing 993 locomotives, 29,950 freight wagons, and 2,178 passenger cars.
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