Iran to Launch New International Train Routes Connecting Tehran with Ankara and Herat

Tehran, The Gulf Observer: The Managing Director of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways, Jabbar-Ali Zakeri, has announced the imminent launch of new international train routes connecting Tehran to Ankara in Türkiye and Herat in Afghanistan, further enhancing Iran’s regional connectivity and transport infrastructure.

Speaking at a ceremony dedicated to passenger rail investments, attended by Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh, Zakeri stated that the Tehran–Ankara passenger train is expected to commence operations within the next two months, while the Tehran–Herat service will begin within a month.

He further revealed that feasibility studies and planning are underway for the establishment of additional international train routes linking Tehran to Mary in Turkmenistan and Dushanbe in Tajikistan, as part of Iran’s broader strategy to strengthen regional transportation networks.

Zakeri also highlighted the recent resumption of the Tehran–Van route, which had been suspended for five years, as a key milestone in the revitalization of Iran’s cross-border rail services.

“Iran’s international rail connections will play a vital role in facilitating people-to-people ties, boosting trade, and reinforcing cultural and tourism exchanges across the region,” Zakeri noted, emphasizing the strategic importance of these developments.

He further underlined the potential of tourism-oriented rail services, positioning Iran’s railway infrastructure as a significant avenue for generating national revenue and enhancing the country’s tourism appeal.

The expansion of rail connectivity aligns with Iran’s vision of becoming a key transit hub linking Central Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.