Research work on Rasht-Astara railway may be launched in June

Research work on the part of the Rasht-Astara railway crossing the territory of Azerbaijan and Iran can be launched in June 2024, State Secretary of Russia - Deputy Minister of Transport Dmitry Zverev said at the 15th International Economic Forum "Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum 2024”, Report informs.

"We hope that in June we will start the first research work, the implementation contract will be signed. This year, construction work will be launched in parallel with the design, so that it will be possible to put the direct line into operation by 2028," he said.

On May 17, within the framework of the North-South project between Russia and Iran, an agreement was signed between Azerbaijan and Iran on the joint construction of the part of the Rasht-Astara road that will provide access to the ports of the Persian Gulf. The total cost of the project is 1.6 billion euros.

An interstate loan in the amount of 1.3 billion euros will be allocated for the construction of this part. According to the document, Moscow and Tehran will jointly finance the design, construction and supply of goods and services.

It was reported earlier that construction work is expected to be completed in 2027-2028.