DELHI (Metro Rail News): Recently, Iran has announced the completion of the 730 km Chabahar-Zahedan railway line. A 730 km rail link is expected to provide India with easier access to Afghanistan, Central Asia and parts of Eastern Russia as reported by The Economic Times. The railway link was under construction for several years, and is expected to be fully operational in 3-4 months.
Chabahar-Zahedan Rail line moves towards operations
The project includes substantial civil and railway infrastructure along the route. Key features include:
- 730 km of railway, as reported for the project including associated links
- 33 stations
- 39 tunnels
- 201 bridges and major crossing structures
- final preparations and safety checks before the commercial operations
The Iranian authorities have started final preparations to begin full operations. However, the train will not be able to carry passengers until the required tests are completed, as finishing the track work alone is not enough to start services.
Why the railway link matters to India
The strategic importance of the line is closely linked to Chabahar port, where India has invested in developing and operating in Shahid Beheshti terminal. The rail connectivity can strengthen the port’s role as a gateway for cargo moving between the Indian Ocean and landlocked markets in Afghanistan and Central Asia.
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It could also support India’s wider efforts to develop trade links with Central Asia. The route’s longer-term value will depend on how efficiently rail connectivity beyond Zahedan is integrated with networks serving Afghanistan and Central Asian countries.
Chabahar Port rights remain a key issue
As India and Iran continue discussion over New Delhi’s involvement in Chabahar port which comes under development. The matter was raised when Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi for the BRICS Summit which was held this month. On September 11 Modi and Pezeshkian met to discuss bilateral ties and developments in West Asia.
India is also discussing an arrangement under which a local Iranian ports authority could manage Chabahar, with legal provisions for operational rights to return to India if US sanctions are lifted, according to earlier reporting cited by ET. In May 2024, India Ports Global Limited and Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation signed a 10-year agreement. Agreement was signed for the development and operation of the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar.
Full operations expected in coming months
Although Iran has announced completion of the rail link, the project is not yet at the stage of full-scale operations. Authorities are currently carrying out final safety inspections and other preparations. Full operations are expected within three to four months, according to the Economic Times report.
The development therefore marks an important infrastructure milestone, but its impact on India-Central Asia trade will depend on the start of regular services and the availability of efficient onward rail and port connections.
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