TEHRAN, Iran, Dec.9
Trend:
Deputy Minister of Road and Urban Development Kheirollah Khademi said that exploitation of the Caspian Railway is beneficial to the country's economy.
"We welcome the simultaneous start of work on both sides of the route to accelerate the operation of the Caspian-Rasht Railway,” the deputy minister said at a meeting with the managing director of Anzali Free Zone Organization on Dec. 9, Trend reports citing IRNA.
Referring to the agreements reached between the two organizations regarding the construction of a railway from the Caspian Port Complex to Rasht, the deputy minister stated that with the implementation of this project, a new rail transit route will be created between the country's northern and southern ports.
Khademi also referred to the head of state's remarks on the importance of accelerating connection of the Anzali Free Zone to the national rail network.
Caspian Port is located in Iran’s Gilan province. It is part of Anzali Free Trade Zone on the southern coastline of the Caspian Sea. The free trade zone is regarded as one of the major economic hubs of Iran with an area of 9,400 hectares of land and 40 km shoreline. It is also seen as the entrance and exit point of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). Currently, Iran is developing a railroad project to connect the Rasht-Qazvin railway to Anzali and Astara ports.
Another line which will link Rasht to the Caspian Port is also under construction. Once the project is complete, the Caspian Port will become the largest hub in northern Iran and make a major contribution to national and local economic development.
The projects are meant to contribute to achieving INSTC’s objectives.