Iran and Turkey exchange agreement for new railway connection

Iran and Turkey have reached a significant milestone in their joint railway connection project. The exchange of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been completed, marking a transition toward the implementation phase.

According to Cabbar Ali Zakeri, General Manager of Iranian Railways, the project aims to connect the Iranian railway network to the Turkish system via a new border point at Çeşme-i Süreyya. The proposed route is expected to span approximately 324 kilometers, running from Haveran through Tabriz and Merend to the new border connection.

The project is planned to be executed using the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) model. Following the signing of the formal contract, a contractor will begin complementary studies and second-phase surveys. These preliminary works are expected to be completed within the first six months, after which construction activities will commence at various points along the route.