A delegation from the Russian Federation has travelled to Iran to discuss ways to participate in Rasht-Astara railway.
The railway project is of prime importance as it is considered as one of the final stages of completing a highly strategic International North-South Transit Corridor (INSTC).
Speaking during a meeting with the Russian delegation, Deputy Iranian Minister of Road and Urban Development Kheirollah Khademi said that if Russia provides the required resources, the railway will be completed within three to four years.
Iran began the construction project of Rasht-Astara railway in northern country early in August.
Speaking to reporters, Astara Governor Enayat Rezaeipour said that some 10,000 billion rials is estimated to be needed for the completion of the project.
The map shows International North-South Transit Corridor (INSTC).
During a meeting between Iranian Minister of Road and Urban Development Rostam Qasemi and his Russian counterpart Vitaly Savelyev in late April, the Russian minister had expressed hope that the Rasht-Astara rail project will be completed as part of the North-South Corridor through mutual cooperation of Iran and Russia.
Savelyev said that once the rail road projects, the Rasht-Astara in particular, are completed, North Europe will be linked to India which will have many benefits for the countries on the way, including Iran and Russia.