Iran plans to finish a major railway line connecting the southeastern port of Chabahar to the city of Zahedan by March 2025. This 634-kilometer rail project is part of Iran’s goal to boost trade and cargo movement through its southeastern region. The news was reported Wednesday by ISNA, quoting a timetable from Iran’s transportation ministry. The project is also set to link with Turkmenistan, helping cargo transit from the Indian Ocean to Central Asia. Transport Minister Farzaneh Sadegh said Iran is committed to completing the railway by the end of the Iranian calendar year.
Chabahar-Zahedan Railway Nears Completion
Iran is pushing ahead with a large infrastructure plan to connect its southern coast to Central Asia. The Chabahar-Zahedan railway is a central part of this effort. It stretches 634 kilometers and is expected to be ready by March 2025, according to a schedule released by Iran’s transportation ministry.
This railway will link the port of Chabahar, located on the Oman Sea, to Zahedan, which is near Iran’s borders with Pakistan and Afghanistan.
“We are determined to finish this project this year,” said Minister Farzaneh Sadegh, according to ISNA and PressTV.
Plan to Extend Railway to Turkmenistan
In addition to completing the Chabahar-Zahedan line, Iran has announced plans to extend the route further north to Sarakhs, a border town near Turkmenistan. This would give Iran direct rail access to Central Asian markets and help landlocked countries move goods more easily.
Officials believe this railway will increase Iran’s role in regional cargo transit, especially as a connection point between the Indian Ocean and Central Asia.
Rail Sections Already in Operation
Parts of the Chabahar-Zahedan line are already complete. In 2022, Iran opened sections connecting Zahedan to Khash, a city about 150 kilometers southeast.
Construction on the remaining sections—from Khash to Chabahar—is underway. These parts will pass through Nik Shahr and Iranshahr.
The job has been given to the construction branch of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC has experience in handling large infrastructure projects, especially in remote or challenging regions.
Economic Impact on Southeast Iran
Southeast Iran, especially Sistan and Baluchestan province, has long faced economic difficulties. The railway aims to bring more trade, jobs, and development to this area. By improving transport links, Iran hopes to revive local economies and attract foreign investment.
India’s Role and Withdrawa
India was once expected to help build the Chabahar-Zahedan railway. India has been a long-time partner in developing the Chabahar Port, which offers an alternative trade route bypassing Pakistan.
However, India pulled back from the railway project due to concerns about U.S. sanctions on Iran. Despite this, India still maintains an interest in Chabahar’s port development, and both countries continue discussions on future cooperation.
Strategic Importance of Chabahar Port
Chabahar is Iran’s only ocean port and has geopolitical value. It is located near the Strait of Hormuz but is outside its narrow chokepoint. This makes it a safe and reliable hub for cargo movement.
With improved rail links, Iran can connect Chabahar to Central Asia, Russia, and even Europe, making it a key part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
Regional Impact and Future Plans
Experts say that once completed, the Chabahar-Zahedan railway will help:
- Shorten transit times for goods headed to Central Asia
- Offer a stable trade route for countries like Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan
- Reduce shipping costs by avoiding congested ports in the Persian Gulf
Iran also plans to upgrade rail technology, add logistics centers, and improve customs facilities along the route.
