Iran to transform eastern provinces into regional trade hub
Highway and railway initiatives aim to link Central Asia, boost safety, and spur economic growth
TEHRAN, Iran (MNTV) — Iran is advancing two large-scale infrastructure projects in its eastern provinces, positioning the region as a strategic transit hub to strengthen trade links, improve travel safety, and support economic growth.
The first initiative, the Zahedan-Birjand highway, is progressing with 30 kilometers expected to open by the end of the current Iranian calendar year, according to Mehdi Parsi, director general of Roads and Urban Development in Sistan and Baluchestan.
According to Press TV, out of the 211-kilometer route, 150 kilometers have already been converted into a highway, while the remaining sections are under construction with more than 40% physical progress completed.
Parsi highlighted that the project will reduce road accidents, facilitate transport, and enhance the quality of life in eastern Iran. He added that additional funding could accelerate the timeline for completion.
During a recent inspection of the project, Sistan and Baluchestan Governor-General Mansour Bijar emphasized its importance, calling it one of the country’s top transit priorities.
“Finalizing this highway will strengthen the province’s role as a central link in Iran’s eastern corridor,” he said.
The second flagship project, the Chabahar-Sarakhs railway, is set to connect Iran’s only ocean port on the Gulf of Oman with the northeastern border city of Sarakhs.
Officials say the railway will serve as a vital artery to support trade for landlocked countries such as Afghanistan and Central Asian republics, while also bolstering sustainable development in the Makran coastal region.
South Khorasan Governor-General Mohammad Reza Hashemi described the railway as a “cornerstone of Iran’s international transit infrastructure,” linking domestic routes with major global trade corridors.
Transportation expert Mehdi Baqeri noted that the project could significantly transform the economic landscape of southeastern Iran by boosting cargo movement and opening new opportunities for investment.
He stressed that private sector participation in the Chabahar-Sarakhs railway would enhance both regional security and prosperity.
With their strategic geographical scope, the Zahedan-Birjand highway and Chabahar-Sarakhs railway are expected to serve as key transit arteries, elevating eastern Iran’s role as a trade gateway for the broader region.
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