12:52 - 9.06.2026
June 9, Fineko/abc.az. The Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation plans to start construction of the Rasht–Astara railway line as soon as the situation in Iran stabilizes.
ABC.AZ reports that Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin stated about this at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
The Russian side is already on high alert and maintains constant contact with its Iranian counterparts. Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Saveliev, who oversees the North–South transport corridor, is also involved in the coordination.
Iran confirms its willingness to cooperate.
In 2023, Russia and Iran signed an agreement within the North-South Project on the joint construction of a 160-km section of the Rasht-Astara road between Iran and Azerbaijan, which will provide through passage to the ports of the Persian Gulf.
The total cost of the project is €1.6 billion. Moscow and Tehran will jointly finance the design, construction, as well as the supply of goods and services.
