Tehran, October 16 (MRUD NEWS)—Iran active transport diplomacy in the region and Russia-Ukraine conflict have increased transit through Iran’s territory from Russia and Central Asian counties toward the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf countries. 
 

In last 6 months, five transit trains have passed through Iran territory from northeast Russia and after passing Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan entered Iran through Sarakhs Border by passing 4000 km. The trains run 1600 km within Iran moving along the north-south transport corridor heading to the Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas.  
 

With 12000 km rail networks and more than 50,000 km roadways, Iran has good infrastructures to attract regional transit.
 

According to Iran deputy transport minister, Shahriyar Afandizadeh, Russia has 200 million tons exports to different destinations and Iran can have a considerable share (10 million tons targeting in 2023) in its freight transit.

Last week, Iran hosted the first ministerial summit on transit cooperation among eight states including Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran for transit cooperation on October 8-9 in Tehran. At the end of this multilateral summit, a joint statement for enhanced transit was signed among Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

There is tendency for regional convergence and transport synergy in the region which has made 20 million tons targeting for freight transit possible among these countries in 2023. This targeting is expected to reach 50 million tons in the near future.  
 

Transit is top priority of Iran due to the huge benefits for the country, higher political stability, and greater security. This is clearly indicated by 180 percent increase in road transit and 300 percent increase in rail transit during last six months.