Russia, Iran to start construction of Rasht-Astara railway line in April

10:43; 18 February 2026 year

### Russia and Iran Launch Rail Project for North-South Transport Corridor A railway line connecting Rasht and Astara will be implemented starting April 1, 2026, as part of the North-South International Transport Corridor, Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsyviliev announced during a meeting of the intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation between Russia and Iran. Tsyviliev noted that all issues previously delaying the project had been resolved: > "The North-South Corridor is not only an energy corridor but also a transport one. It involves the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway line. We have practically addressed all previously outstanding issues, including land registration and obtaining tax benefits," he said, as quoted by TASS. In 2023, Russia and Iran signed a joint agreement to build a 160-kilometer road section between Rasht and Astara, connecting Iran and Azerbaijan. This road will provide direct access to the ports of the Persian Gulf. The project is estimated to cost 1.6 billion euros, with funding provided by Moscow and Tehran.

Investment

Events

Niches and markets

Technologies and trends

Development infrastructure