Azerbaijan, Iran to link railway lines

The railway lines of Azerbaijan and Iran will be linked before late 2016, Iran’s Ambassador in Azerbaijan Mohsen Pak Ayeen told reporters Oct. 12.

He made the remarks commenting on the results of a meeting held between the two countries’ delegations on October 9 and 10 in Azerbaijani city of Astara, and the Iranian city of the same name.

The ambassador said in order to link the two countries’ railway lines it is needed to build an eight-kilometer long railway in Azerbaijan, and a two-kilometer long railway in Iran.

“Azerbaijan has said it would start this process in 10 days,” he said. “A bridge should also be built over the Astara River.”

Pak Ayeen noted that an agreement has already been reached to build the bridge.

“Both countries are a door to Asia and Europe, and both intend to become a transit and cargo transportation center,” said the ambassador, noting that a customs terminal at a capacity of four million tons will be built as well.

Pak Ayeen also said the work hasn’t been started yet to construct the Rasht-Astara railway.

“As of now, talks are underway with China and Russia to allocate funds for construction,” he said.

Noting that the railway will be 170 kilometers long, the ambassador said that as a result of its construction the railway lines running between Persian Gulf and Russia will be linked.

/By Trend/