BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 6. Iran is working to strengthen the transit network of Sistan and Baluchestan province in the country's southeast, an official said.
Nima Rakhsha, an official with the provincial Road and Urban Development Department, said that once ongoing road projects are completed, the province is expected to become one of Iran's main freight transport and transit hubs, strengthening its position in international transit networks, according to Iran's Ministry of Roads and Urban Development.
"With the completion of ongoing projects within the road network in Sistan and Baluchestan province, the region will become one of the country's key freight and transit centers in the near future and will strengthen its position in international transit networks," Rakhsha said.
He said construction work is underway on the Zahedan-Birjand highway linking Sistan and Baluchestan with South Khorasan province. A total of 211 km of the highway is located within Sistan and Baluchestan, of which 175 km has already been completed and opened to traffic. Construction is continuing on the remaining 36 km.
Rakhsha said the province's comprehensive and sustainable development depends on expanding highways and transport links with other provinces. A significant share of the country's essential goods and freight is transported from the Chabahar port to other destinations across Iran.
The official added that this contributes to the formation of the region's international transit potential. He said improving trade facilitation, developing highway infrastructure and enhancing security are of major importance.
The construction of the remaining 36-km section of the Zahedan-Birjand highway is expected to require 14 trillion rials (approximately $9.29 million) in investment.
