Iran Speeds Up Rasht–Astara Railway With Russia, Iranian Media Report

According to Tehran Times, citing Hooshang Bazvand, Iran's deputy minister of roads and urban development, the Supreme National Security Council ratified the agreement with Russia on building the railway last week. Bazvand told Tasnim News Agency the approval would let the project move faster. He added that the remaining 37 kilometers of land were handed to the Russian contractor, putting the entire 162-kilometer route at the project's disposal.

Mehr relays comments by Iran's ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, on a meeting between Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei and Vladimir Putin. Jalali said Iran's decisions to speed up construction of the Rasht–Astara railway and complete the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) were outlined there, and that a plan to supply Russian natural gas to Iran was also reviewed. Mehr does not mention the ratification, and Tehran Times does not mention the meeting with Putin.

Tehran Times says the railway is expected to strengthen regional connectivity, ease freight transit and cut transport costs once completed. These are statements by Iranian officials, reported here without independent verification.