Iran plans to launch train routes to Mary in Turkmenistan and Tajikistan’s capital, Dushanbe, further enhancing its ties with neighboring Central Asian nations. The announcement was made by Head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways (known as RAI), Jabbar Ali Zakeri, at a ceremony of passenger rail investments on July 20.
According to Zakeri, the planned routes are part of Iran’s broader strategy to modernize its transport infrastructure and strengthen regional cooperation.
“Following a five-year hiatus, the Tehran–Van (Turkiye) line has resumed operations. Preparations are also underway for establishing rail links with Mary and Dushanbe,” he said.
While specific timelines for launching the Central Asian routes remain undisclosed, Zakeri noted that two additional international routes are set to begin operations soon. A Tehran–Ankara route is expected to launch within the next two months, while a Tehran–Herat (Afghanistan) connection is scheduled to open by the end of next month.
These routes aim to create new opportunities for passenger and cargo transport and support major trade and investment initiatives. A key component of these projects is the development of tourism rail services.
“Iran’s railway network holds immense historical and cultural value. Leveraging this potential through tourism could generate significant revenue and create new jobs in the hospitality sector,” Zakeri added.
However, he also pointed to an existing challenge: the gap between expanding railway infrastructure and the availability of rolling stock. While Iran builds between 150 and 300 kilometers of new tracks annually, a substantial upgrade to its railcars is essential for full operational capacity. This year, 300 new passenger cars are expected to be delivered, with additional wagons on order from China.
The Islamic Republic of Iran Railways (abbreviated as RAI) is the national state-owned railway system of Iran.
Currently, Iran and Tajikistan are connected by direct air routes. Somon Air and Varesh Airline operate flights between Dushanbe and Tehran, and the Iranian carrier also services the Mashhad–Dushanbe route.
