Iran completed the track-laying operation on the Chabahar-Zahedan railway in September 2026. The rail line connects the Port of Chabahar on the Gulf of Oman with Zahedan and links the port to Iran’s national rail network. The project is expected to become fully operational within three to four months from September 2026.
Chabahar-Zahedan Railway Corridor
The Chabahar-Zahedan railway is a strategic transport corridor in south-eastern Iran. The line measures between 630 km and 730 km and passes through difficult terrain. It includes 33 stations, 39 tunnels, and 201 bridges. The project began in 2010 with an estimated cost of $1.5 billion.
Connectivity and Regional Route
The railway provides a land route from the Indian Ocean port of Chabahar to Iran’s rail system. It is designed to improve access to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and eastern Russia through Iran. The route bypasses Pakistan and forms part of wider regional connectivity plans involving Iran and India.
Project Progress and Construction Features
By January 2026, substructure work on the project was about 96% complete, and track-laying had crossed 75%. Iranian engineers and contractors carried out most of the construction work. The line was formally described by Iranian officials as ready for operation within three months after the completion of track-laying on 16 August 2026.
Important Facts for Exams
- Chabahar Port is located on the Gulf of Oman and serves as Iran’s only oceanic port.
- Zahedan is the capital of Sistan and Baluchestan province in south-eastern Iran.
- Rail corridors are often used for multimodal connectivity because they link ports, inland cities, and border regions.
- Iran’s rail network is a key transit route between the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Caucasus region.
