The key facts
- A protocol on land access along the entire route and a supplementary agreement to the contract were signed
- A section of about 162 km: 8 stations, 56 viaducts, 73 bridges, 30 overpasses
- In 2026, a reference geodetic network was established and aerial photography carried out
Documents signed in Tehran
Russia and Iran signed a package of documents in Tehran on the construction of the Rasht — Astara railway line, which is to become part of the international North — South transport corridor. This was reported to journalists by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Nikitin. The Russian company Caspian Services and the Iranian CDTIC signed a protocol on access to land plots along the entire future route for engineering surveys, as well as a supplementary agreement to the contract.
What practically changes
According to Nikitin, the necessary land plots have already been handed over to the Russian side, which makes it possible to continue preparatory work and extend its deadlines. In effect, the signed protocol resolves the issue of land access along the entire route, which was a prerequisite for the field stage of the surveys. During 2026, Russian specialists established a reference geodetic network and carried out aerial photography of the territory; hydrometeorological studies and topographic surveying are now continuing along the route.
Project parameters
The section will be about 162 kilometers long. The project provides for the construction of eight stations, 56 viaducts, 73 bridges and 30 overpasses. The line is to connect the existing sections of the western route of the North — South corridor: once it is launched, it will be possible to organize continuous rail service between Russia and Iran's Persian Gulf ports. Earlier, Life.ru reported that Vladimir Putin called for developing reliable international trade routes and singled out the North — South corridor among the priority directions.
