Tehran, October 25 (MRUD NEWS)—Following previous talks between Iran and Russia for the joint partnership in construction of the strategic Rasht-Astara Railroad, Iran and Russian transport officials met virtually on October 25 to further specify the details.

In the meeting, Iran deputy transport minister, Shahriyar Afandizadeh, along with the technical delegation met with Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Zverev, and agreed on a couple of details. 

They agreed on the rail track gauge 1435 mm as international standard gauge which completes Iran railway network. 

As Azerbaijan is a transit country in this partnership, there will be a trilateral agreement between Iran, Azerbaijan and Russia for having the logistic center in Astara (Azerbaijan).

They also discussed financing methods for construction of the railroad which will be finally decided within a week. 

15 million tons freight transit has been estimated annually along the route which is completing International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). Before completion of this missing route, freight transit is currently through multimodal transport (maritime, road, rail). 

Previously, during the first trilateral meeting of Iran, Azerbaijan, and Russia dedicated to the prospects of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) on September 8 in Baku, the parties signed a trilateral statement for development of the INSTC. 

The statement was signed by Azerbaijan and Russia's deputy prime ministers, Shahin Mustafayev and Alexander Novak and Iran transport minister, Rostam Ghasemi, in which they emphasized on increased cooperation in the INSTC, particularly completing construction of Rasht-Astara Railroad.