Jafar Jamili, director of the province’s commercialization and association, said Iran had processed nearly 20 million tons of transport freight in 2024. The large share included petroleum products transported from the Kurdistan region of Iraq to ports in southern Iran for exports to the Persian Gulf countries.
Road and Railway Infrastructure Planning
Jamiri said 70% of the seventh plan’s targets are expected to travel through roads and 30% will travel by rail. He highlighted the need for upgraded highways, expanded rail links, smart border facilities, and streamlined trade processes to meet targets.
Geopolitical and regional contexts
The global transport challenges in the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandeb and Suez Canal, along with the conflict in the Russian-Ukraine, are increasing the demand for overland corridors. Iran is working to strengthen regional links, including north and east-west routes, while engaging in international corridors such as INSTC, CPEC-ITI and Traceca.
Jamiri confirmed that the National Transportation Headquarters was established under the 7th Development Plan, and that the National Transportation Documents under preparation have been established. He also highlighted the role of universities in guiding the development of transport research and long-term policy.
MNA/MRUD