Iran, September 2026 — The Chabahar–Zahedan railway is intended to strengthen connections between Iran’s Chabahar Port and inland markets beyond the country’s eastern border. The project forms part of wider efforts to establish more efficient rail-based links between the Indian Ocean region, Afghanistan and the landlocked markets of Central Asia.
The 730-kilometre railway has been completed and includes 33 stations, 39 tunnels and 201 bridges. Iranian authorities are carrying out final safety checks and preparations, with the line expected to become fully operational within three to four months.
Once operational, the railway will connect Chabahar Port with Zahedan and Iran’s wider railway network, creating an additional freight corridor towards Afghanistan and Central Asia. For India, the connection is particularly relevant because Chabahar provides maritime access that can support trade with landlocked markets without relying exclusively on routes through Pakistan.
The project has a longer history of bilateral cooperation. India and Iran signed a 2016 memorandum involving India’s IRCON International and Iran’s Construction, Development of Transport and Infrastructure Company for the railway project, with the original objective of improving connectivity from Chabahar to Afghanistan and onward to Central Asia.
The completion of the railway adds a significant rail component to the Chabahar trade corridor and could strengthen the port’s role as a regional logistics gateway. Its eventual operational performance, freight volumes and integration with neighbouring countries’ railway networks will determine how effectively the infrastructure supports broader trade connectivity across South and Central Asia.
Source: The Economic Times
Chabahar–Zahedan Rail Link Strengthens India’s Central Asia Connectivity
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Rail connectivity between ports and landlocked markets is becoming increasingly important for developing alternative trade corridors across Asia. Iran has completed the 730-kilometre Chabahar–Zahedan railway, linking the Indian Ocean port with Iran’s rail network and providing a potential route towards Afghanistan, Central Asia and eastern Russia.
