**TEHRAN, August 2025** — Iran and Turkmenistan have reached an agreement to strengthen rail infrastructure at the Sarakhs border crossing in an effort to reduce freight congestion and boost trade between the two countries. The project will involve the construction of two new railway lines, one standard-gauge and one broad-gauge, linking the Sarakhs stations on both sides of the border. The announcement was made by the head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways following a meeting with Turkmenistan’s railway minister during the United Nations’ Third Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Turkmenbashi.

The addition of new exchange tracks is expected to play a key role in increasing the efficiency of cross-border rail operations and expanding international cargo capacity. To further support this initiative, Turkmenistan’s railway will contribute an additional 200 to 300 Uzbek freight wagons to the shared transport fleet, aiming to accelerate the movement of goods along this strategic corridor.

The Sarakhs crossing serves as a vital gateway for trade between Iran, Central Asia, and other regions, forming an integral part of the International North–South Transit Corridor (INSTC) as well as other regional transport networks. Officials believe that the planned expansion will enhance multimodal transit operations, improve bilateral trade flows, and strengthen connectivity within the wider region.

This development highlights the commitment of Iran and Turkmenistan to deepen cooperation in transportation and logistics, reflecting the broader goal of using infrastructure projects to stimulate economic growth and regional integration.

Source: Tehran Times