Seyed Miad Salehi, CEO of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways (RAI), stated that Iran serves as a fast and secure gateway for transporting Chinese goods to the European Union.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony of the Iran–China Two-Way Container Train Service and the launch of the first phase of the China–Iran–Europe Rail Corridor at Aprin Dry Port, Salehi explained that the service operates through the neighboring countries of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, creating a strategic rail connection between China and Iran.
He noted that ten days earlier, a container train carrying automotive components had departed from China for Iran, and that the two trains would be exchanged at the Incheh Borun border crossing within the following days.
The Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development described the launch of the first phase of the China–Iran–Europe Rail Corridor as the result of years of planning, international cooperation, and rail transport diplomacy. He expressed hope that the corridor would soon become fully operational through continued collaboration among the relevant stakeholders.
According to Salehi, the corridor will significantly reduce cargo transit times compared to maritime transport while providing a high level of safety and security. He emphasized that the all-rail route passing through China, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran is expected to attract growing interest from traders, freight forwarders, and cargo owners.
Referring to successful rail export, import, and transit projects in recent years, Salehi highlighted the strong cooperation between Iran and Kazakhstan within the framework of the North–South Transport Corridor. He noted that last year, for the first time in Iran’s history, a shipment of potash fertilizer was transported entirely by rail from Russia to Bandar Abbas over a distance of approximately 4,800 kilometers.
This operation reduced transit times dramatically, replacing a traditional maritime route that typically required more than 50 days through the Black Sea, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean with an all-rail journey completed in approximately 18 to 19 days.
Salehi further stated that the newly launched corridor represents the beginning of a strategic East–West rail corridor, where freight originating from both China and Iran will move in both directions through Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.
He clarified that the term “two-way service” refers to loaded freight trains operating in both directions, ensuring balanced cargo flows between the participating countries and improving the economic efficiency of the corridor.
The RAI CEO also pointed to another recent achievement: the successful rail transit of coal shipments from Russia to India. During June and July, approximately 9,500 tons of coal were transported through Iran by seven freight trains, averaging one train per week.
He noted that the trains achieved impressive transit performance, covering the 1,610-kilometer rail route between Sarakhs and Bandar Abbas in less than three days, setting a significant operational benchmark.
Salehi emphasized that the foundations for the corridor were established through the long-term vision of developing rail transportation and through close cooperation among China, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. He stressed that maintaining regular services is essential for building greater confidence among Iranian and Chinese traders.
Looking ahead, he expressed hope that operations would gradually expand from one train per week to one train per day, significantly increasing trade volumes and strengthening regional connectivity.
According to IRNA, the Iran–China Two-Way Container Train Service was officially launched during a ceremony held at Aprin Dry Port, where the first phase of the China–Iran–Europe Rail Corridor also entered into operation.
فارسی