Iranian Railways

Iranian Railways. The national railway system of Iran, it is a critical component of the country's transportation infrastructure, managed by the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways (IRIR). Its development has been strategically linked to Iran's economic ambitions and geopolitical position, connecting major cities like Tehran, Mashhad, and Isfahan. The network facilitates domestic freight and passenger travel while forming vital international corridors, such as the link to the Port of Bandar Abbas on the Persian Gulf.

History

The first railway in Iran, a short line from Tehran to Rey, opened in 1886 during the Qajar dynasty. Major expansion began under Reza Shah Pahlavi, with the pivotal Trans-Iranian Railway constructed between 1927 and 1938, linking the Caspian Sea at Bandar Torkaman to the Persian Gulf at Bandar Imam Khomeini. This engineering feat, involving numerous tunnels and bridges through the Alborz and Zagros Mountains, was executed by contractors like Siemens and U.S. Steel. Following the Iranian Revolution, the network's growth continued, emphasizing connections to neighboring countries including Turkey via the Lake Van ferry and Afghanistan.

Network and infrastructure

The system comprises over 14,000 kilometers of track, primarily standard gauge, with some legacy broad gauge in the northeast near Turkmenistan. Key routes include the north-south axis of the original Trans-Iranian Railway and the east-west corridor connecting Tabriz to Mashhad. Major junctions and classification yards are located in Tehran, Qom, and Yazd. International connections exist with Azerbaijan at Jolfa, Armenia at Norduz, and Pakistan at Mirjaveh, with the Bafq–Bandar Abbas line serving as a crucial artery for mineral exports from the Sangan mine.

Rolling stock

The fleet includes a mix of diesel and electric locomotives, with significant numbers supplied by Siemens Mobility, Alstom, and China North Rail. Passenger coaches range from modern Talgō-style railjet sets used on the Tehran–Mashhad line to older compartment stock. For freight, the system operates a large inventory of gondola cars, tank cars, and hopper cars, essential for transporting petrochemicals, iron ore, and grains. Maintenance is conducted at major depots in Arak and Kerman.

Operations and services

Passenger services include long-distance overnight trains like the Persian Gulf Express and high-speed offerings on the Tehran–Isfahan route. Raja Passenger Train Company is the primary operator. Freight operations, managed by Rail Transportation Company of Iran, dominate traffic, moving commodities such as sulfur, cement, and containers from the Port of Chabahar. The railway plays a key role in the International North–South Transport Corridor, coordinating with operators like Russian Railways and Indian Railways.

Future development

Major projects under the Iranian Vision 2025 plan include the completion of the Iranian Railway Expansion to increase total network length. Electrification of the main Tehran–Mashhad corridor is ongoing, and a high-speed rail line from Tehran to Qom via Imam Khomeini International Airport is under construction with assistance from China Railway Group. Further international linkages are planned, such as the Qazvin–Rasht–Astara line connecting to Azerbaijan, and studies for a connection to Basra in Iraq.

Category:Rail transport in Iran Category:Government-owned companies of Iran