Breaking Boundaries: Iran’s Strategic Move with Rasht-Caspian Railway
Iran recently unveiled the Rasht-Caspian Railway, a significant part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) connecting the Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea by rail. This 37-kilometer railway, completing the INSTC, enhances Iran’s ties with Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan.
The 7,200-kilometer INSTC integrates rail, ship, and road routes to boost freight movement across India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe. The project aims to enhance economic activities, logistics centers, and add value to goods transportation, upscaling Iran’s transit capacity and income.
The completion of the Rasht-Caspian Railway links Iran with its northern neighbors and marks a step towards a new transcontinental trade route. With Russia and Iran jointly investing in this strategic project, they aim to strengthen commercial ties and shield themselves from Western sanctions, redirecting their focus towards Asia.
This initiative not only positions Iran as a key transit hub for goods but also presents opportunities to create added-value chains, boosting the country’s economy with new job prospects and enhanced global standing in various sectors like pharmaceuticals.