Iran and Turkmenistan are set to launch their first cross-border passenger train service, marking a significant step in strengthening their economic ties.
The service will initially connect Iran’s northeastern city of Mashhad with Turkmenistan’s Merv, with the potential to expand access to neighboring Uzbekistan in the future. The pilot launch of the service was confirmed by Iran’s Transport Minister Farzaneh Sadegh, who emphasized the importance of the project in enhancing regional connectivity and facilitating travel for Iranian citizens.
In addition to the passenger service, both countries aim to double the freight volumes on their shared rail networks. This ambitious goal follows recent discussions in Ashgabat, where officials agreed to increase annual cargo transit between the nations to 10 million metric tons by 2027.
To support this growth, Iran plans to open a new rail connection at the Lotfabad crossing, while Turkmenistan will expand its rail infrastructure at the Sarakhs crossing.
This collaboration is part of Iran’s broader strategy to enhance its trade and economic relations with Central Asia, providing a more efficient transportation route for both passengers and goods in the region.
