Iran + Turkey to build Asia-Europe rail corridor? Iran and Turkey have agreed to develop a new joint rail line spanning 200 km at an investment cost of around USD 1.6 bn, the diaspora-run outlet Iran International reports, citing remarks made by Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday. Known as the Marand–Cheshmeh Soraya transit line, the project is pitched as a strategic trade corridor linking Asia and Europe and is expected to finish construction in four years.

All part of China’s Silk Road: The Marand–Cheshmeh Soraya project will be part of China’s Belt and Road, Iran’s Transport Minister Farzaneh Sadegh reportedly said earlier this month. This route is set to serve as a portion of an “all-rail corridor” linking China and Europe by connecting Iran’s and Turkey’s rail networks, while featuring an end-to-end rail system for low-cost freight with few stops, Sadegh added.

Iran’s going big on its transit hub ambitions…: The country has ramped up efforts in the past few years to expand its cross-border transit networks, pushing ahead with rail collaborations and new joint developments with neighboring countries. Last month, it signed a multilateral agreement with China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Turkey to expand cross-border freight flows. It is also working with Russia to complete a EUR 1.6 bn rail link, the 162-km Rasht-Astara railway linking Russia, India, and Azerbaijan.

… but it is also facing regional competition: Turkey broke ground on a railway project linking it to Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan exclave earlier this year, and will be part of the South Caucasus transit corridor. The development drew threats from Tehran to block the 224-km corridor, citing security concerns due to the US’s possible involvement in the project.

Tags: