Chabahar–Zahedan Railway Track Laying Completed, Afghanistan Closer to Open Waters
DID Press: The track-laying operation on Iran’s Chabahar–Zahedan railway has been completed, with the project now entering preparations for operation. The development could strengthen Afghanistan’s access to Chabahar port and international waters if the necessary rail connections are completed.
Iranian officials said rail installation has been completed along the Chabahar–Iranshahr section and within the Chabahar port area, establishing the railway connection along the route. The project is scheduled to become operational by the end of the current Iranian month of Jadi.
The Chabahar–Zahedan railway consists of 630 kilometers of mainline track and 735 kilometers when branch lines are included. Once operational, it is expected to have an annual capacity of about 2.2 million passengers and 7.7 million tons of freight.
The project includes 39 tunnels with a combined length of 17 kilometers, 201 crossings and specialized bridges, and nearly 2,000 drainage structures. A total of 33 stations have also been constructed along the route, with approximately 90,000 tons of domestically produced rail used in the project.
Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh Malvajerd, during a visit to Sistan and Baluchestan, confirmed the completion of the track-laying operation. She said the railway would not only connect Chabahar to Iran’s national rail network but also contribute to expanding transit with neighboring countries, including Afghanistan.
The project is particularly significant for Afghanistan because of its potential connection with the Khaf–Herat railway. Once the required rail links are completed, Afghan exports and imports could be transported through Iran to Chabahar Port and onward to regional markets and international waters.
However, Afghanistan’s use of the corridor will depend on the completion of rail infrastructure, transportation costs, the capacity of Chabahar Port, and customs and transit coordination between the two countries.