Iran welcomes arrival of transit coal wagons from Russia

Bolstering economic ties between Iran and Russia, the CEO of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railway proudly announced the arrival of two cargo trains laden with 59 transit coal wagons from Russia. This marks the first time such a shipment has made its way into Iran, highlighting the growing collaboration between the two nations.

The transit cargo, originating from the Bardino station in the West Siberian region of Russia, embarked on its journey through the eastern branch of the North-South Corridor, a crucial trade route connecting various regions. This achievement comes as a result of extensive negotiations and agreements between Iranian Railways and Russian Railways, cementing a strong partnership in the realm of transportation.

The two freight trains traversed approximately 1,600 kilometers within Iran's railway network, from the Sarakhs station to the Bandar Abbas station, demonstrating the efficiency and capability of the country's rail infrastructure. This successful transit not only signifies a milestone in bilateral cooperation but also paves the way for further trade opportunities between Iran and Russia.

73.2 million tons of Russian coal would be exported to India via the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC), using Iranian railways and ports. The significance of this collaboration lies not only in the sheer volume of coal but also in the remarkable reduction of delivery time. Previously, it took 45 days for Russian goods to reach India, but with the INSTC, this transit time will be slashed to just 15 days.

Beyond the economic gains for Russia and India, Iran stands to benefit significantly. The transit fees earned by Iran are projected to reach several billion dollars, bolstering the country’s economy and reinforcing its trade hub in the region.

With transit cargo now flowing smoothly along this route, stakeholders anticipate a boost in economic activity and trade volumes, underscoring the strategic importance of such infrastructure projects in facilitating regional commerce.