Referring to a 70% increase in Iranian transit from Russia, Managing General of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways has voiced Iran’s readiness to increase the country’s transit from Russia by 700%.
Miad Salehi made the remarks in a meeting in Tehran with Sergey Pavlov, the first deputy managing director of Russian Railways.
Underlining the need for cooperation on launching Rasht-Astara railroad in northern Iran, Salehi proposed for making use of the transit potentials in Sarakhs until Rasht-Astara railroad project is completed.
Rail transit in Iran has to take place at the least possible time, the official said, noting that any hesitation in rail transit would cause maritime transit to be preferred over rail transit.
“We have to join hands with Russia so as to cut both the cost and the time of transit,” Salehi said.
He added that part of the goal will be fulfilled through the efforts of the Russian side, with the other part of which needed to be pursued by Iran.