BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 22. Iran is set to open a new network of highways stretching over 150 kilometers by the end of the current Iranian year (March 20, 2025), Deputy Director of the Iranian Company for the Construction and Development of Road Transport Infrastructure, Mohammad Reza Kadkhodazadeh told reporters, Trend reports.
Kadkhodazadeh said that this expansion is part of a broader plan to build a total of 700 kilometers of new highways during the current Iranian year (from March 20, 2024 through March 20, 2025).
He stated that, to date, 550 kilometers of highways have already been completed and opened for use.
Additionally, Kadhkhodazadeh highlighted that several years ago, 11 international corridors were identified across the country. However, due to security concerns, congestion, and the potential for increased transit and cargo revenue, these routes were reduced to eight. As a result, proposals were submitted to Iran's Planning and Budget Organization, which led to the selection of 70 key projects from a pool of 160.
In terms of funding, Kadhkhodazadeh noted that improving the country's transport corridors would require an investment of approximately 7-10 quadrillion rials (around $12.5-17.9 billion). Given the current financial situation, he emphasized the need for prioritizing these projects, which would require at least five years to fully fund.
"Looking ahead, while there is potential to construct an additional 1,000-1,200 kilometers of highways in the coming year (from March 2025 through March 2026), the cost of these projects will dictate the final objectives and implementation strategies,” the official noted.
Currently, Iran has a total of 2,793 kilometers of expressways, 45,170 kilometers of highways, and key roads in operation.
