According to IRNA News Agency, Aprin Dry Port, located in Eslamshahr southwest of Tehran, has emerged as a strategic logistics gateway along the China–Iran–Europe rail corridor, contributing to the development of a major logistics hub near the Iranian capital and enhancing support for one of the country’s largest supply and demand markets.
A dry port is a multifunctional inland terminal directly connected to seaports through rail or road networks. It serves as a key center for cargo handling, customs operations, storage, and onward distribution to domestic and international destinations.
The significance of Aprin Dry Port was further highlighted by the launch of the Iran–China Two-Way Freight Train Service on July 22, 2024, during a ceremony attended by senior officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways (RAI). The event also marked the operational launch of the first phase of the China–Iran–Europe Rail Corridor.
Aprin Dry Port commenced operations following a cooperation agreement between the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration and RAI. Developed on a site covering approximately 1,000 hectares, the facility has been designed to receive and distribute more than 60 percent of the country's imported goods.
Located just 20 kilometers southwest of Tehran, Aprin Dry Port occupies a strategic position within a logistics zone spanning approximately 700 hectares and serves as a key rail gateway connecting four neighboring provinces.
The terminal has the capacity to accommodate up to 30 freight trains per day, operate across 18 railway tracks, and handle approximately 1,000 rail wagons daily. The project currently provides employment for around 500 people, with workforce capacity expected to increase to 5,000 jobs upon full development.
The establishment of Aprin Dry Port has created a major logistics hub adjacent to Tehran, improving supply chain efficiency, strengthening access to raw materials and imported goods for industries and manufacturers, and generating significant direct and indirect employment opportunities throughout the region.
According to Jabar Ali Salehi, CEO of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways, the development of Aprin Dry Port aligns with national transportation policies that prioritize rail freight expansion, increased competitiveness of rail transport, and stronger connections between railway networks and major economic, industrial, and commercial centers.
He noted that the launch of Aprin Dry Port is expected to establish new benchmarks in Iran’s rail freight sector while supporting export growth and international transit operations, particularly along the strategic North–South Transport Corridor.
The inauguration ceremony also marked the launch of the first phase of the China–Iran–Europe Rail Corridor and the commencement of the Iran–China Two-Way Freight Train Service.
Speaking at the event, Morteza Jafari, Deputy for Commercial Affairs and Operations at RAI, stated that the initial phase includes regular freight train operations between Iran and China in both directions. He noted that a train departing from China had already begun its journey toward Iran and would arrive through the Incheh Borun border crossing for onward operations.
According to Jafari, the service is expected to operate initially on a weekly schedule, with one train running from each side, while future plans envision increasing frequency to daily services.
He emphasized that rail transit time along the corridor is approximately 50 percent faster than traditional maritime transport routes, while remaining competitive in terms of transportation costs.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of several countries, including the Deputy Ambassador of China, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, and the Chargé d’Affaires of Turkmenistan.
Lihua Fu, Deputy Ambassador of China, highlighted the positive outcomes of bilateral cooperation between China and Iran and described the new freight train service as an important channel for expanding trade, industrial cooperation, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
He expressed confidence that future collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) would further strengthen economic ties and regional connectivity.
The Ambassador of Kazakhstan also welcomed the project and expressed hope that the corridor would eventually extend to Türkiye and the European Union, creating additional opportunities for trade and regional cooperation.
Today, Aprin Dry Port stands as one of Iran’s most important logistics investments, strengthening the country’s position as a bridge between Asia and Europe while supporting the development of sustainable, efficient, and internationally connected supply chains.
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