Tehran, September 16, 2024 (MRUD NEWS)—During the meeting, President Pezeshkian issued a direct order to Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh, and the head of the country's program and budget organization, instructing them to expedite the completion of the Shalamcheh-Basra railway project. This 32-kilometer railway, jointly developed by Iran and Iraq, is a strategic initiative aimed at linking the two nations' rail networks and fostering greater regional integration.
Pezeshkian specifically urged Minister Sadegh to accelerate ongoing negotiations with Iraq, particularly regarding the agreements surrounding the Shalamcheh-Basra railway. He stressed the broader importance of creating a robust and connected network of transportation routes across the region, saying, "Once security, economic, and political preparations are in place, a unified network of communication routes between Iran and other countries in the region must be established. This will allow citizens of any regional nation to travel with ease."
The Iranian president likened this network to the internal arteries of the human body, stating, “This network acts as a vital lifeline, breathing life into every area it reaches. Establishing such a network will not only bolster stability and security but also safeguard the collective interests of all nations within the region.”
The Shalamcheh-Basra railway is expected to serve as a key element in this broader vision. Once completed, it will connect Iran's rail system to Iraq’s, creating a gateway that could extend Iran's transportation links into West Asia and potentially reach countries like Syria. Additionally, Iraq's rail network could be connected to international destinations, such as India and China, through Iran's existing infrastructure.
The creation of this railway is expected to significantly enhance the economic and logistical ties between Iran and Iraq, facilitating smoother trade and movement of goods, while opening new routes to other regional and international partners. The project aligns with Iran's broader strategy to position itself as a critical transportation hub, strengthening its influence across West Asia and beyond.
For Iraq, the project not only represents an infrastructural upgrade but also a step toward greater economic integration with its neighbors, as well as improved access to global markets. With both countries viewing the railway as a critical link in their future economic development, the completion of the Shalamcheh-Basra line could mark a turning point in regional cooperation, laying the groundwork for a more interconnected and stable Middle East.