Russian Deputy PM Overchuk Praises Iran’s Engineering Work on Rasht-Astara Railway Project

Astara, The Gulf Observer: Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk has lauded Iran’s “precise and committed” engineering efforts on the Rasht-Astara railway, describing it as a crucial component in enhancing regional transport connectivity among Iran, Russia, and Azerbaijan.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday during his visit to Iran’s northern border city of Astara, Overchuk said the project was progressing with “technical accuracy and strong coordination,” reflecting the determination of all partners to advance regional infrastructure integration.

He praised Iran’s broader transport development initiatives and noted that recent trilateral meetings between the three countries had reviewed “notable progress” in implementing the joint railway project, which forms a vital segment of the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

Overchuk further highlighted that road transport cooperation between Iran, Russia, and Azerbaijan was also strengthening. He said that logistical and infrastructure issues at border crossings—particularly those connecting Russia and Azerbaijan—had been effectively resolved, and that crossings were now operating “actively and efficiently.”

The Deputy Prime Minister underscored that collaboration in trade and transport among the three countries had made “significant strides,” with growing momentum expected to sustain this positive trend.

Referring to the free trade agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Overchuk said trade among member states had increased by 35 percent since the accord came into force. He stressed the importance of expanding infrastructure capacity to accommodate the rising volume of economic exchanges.

Concluding his remarks, Overchuk emphasized that trilateral cooperation between Iran, Russia, and Azerbaijan would continue to promote sustainable development and deeper economic integration across the region.