TEHRAN, Iran, Oct.21
Trend:
Iran will launch project on railway connection to Iraq in Shalamche and Khosravi custom points of Khuzestan province, said the CEO of Iran Railway.
"The preparation works to build Shalamche - Basra railway have been completed, so the construction of the 32-kilometer railway and a bridge is expected to start soon," Saeed Rasouli , Trend reports citing Mehr News Agency.
"The cabinet of ministers and the Mostazafan Foundation have agreed to provide financial resources. The estimated cost of the project was 4 trillion rials (roughly $95 million), but it shall be recalculated based on the current rate," he said.
The official added that two new terminals will also be set up in the area.
Once finished, the Shalamcheh-Basra railway will link the transportation networks in three countries of Iran, Iraq and Syria, and the launch of the 32-kilometer railroad shall boost Iran's exports to Iraq.
The project has been delayed due to fail of Iraqi side to build the railroad on their side as well as due to economic problems and a shortage of funds.