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Chabahar to Zahedan Railway
railway
Cities
Chabahar
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Zahedan
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Distance
750km
new
750kmrehabilitated
– kmexisting
– kmCost
$1.5b
$1,500,000,000
Phases
underConstruction, 2026
Objective
The railway is a crucial part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). For India, this route represents a chance for freight traffic to obtain a water/land connection to Russia, bypassing Pakistan. The railroad also has strategic military significance for Iran.Description
The rail line is to connect the port of Chahbahar, which is located on the Indian Ocean, to the country's rail network via Zahedan - from 2021 according to the original plans. The port is the only deep-water port in Iran that has direct access to the Indian Ocean without ships having to pass through the narrow Strait of Hormuz.History
Iran proceeded independently using its own funds after dropping India from the project due to delays in funding and international sanctions complexities. Construction of the railway commenced in 2010.Finance
$400000000 grant
National Development Fund (Iran)
Development bank
Operators
Islamic Republic of Iran Railways
Company
Contractors
Khatam al-Anbiya Construction Headquarters
Company