Chabahar Set for Integration into National Railway Network

PMO News Portal - The Iranian government is prioritizing the development of maritime transport and port infrastructure as a key strategy to boost foreign trade, expand non-oil exports, increase transit volumes, and strengthen Iran’s position within the global transportation network. This strategic vision is outlined in high-level policy documents, including the Seventh Development Plan and national sea-based economic policies, which emphasize enhancing port capacity, upgrading logistics infrastructure, modernizing fleets, and adopting innovative technologies for port management.

Saeed Rasouli, Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development and CEO of the Ports and Maritime Organization, identified these objectives as the organization's core strategic priorities. He highlighted the railway connection of Chabahar Port as a pivotal milestone in this development roadmap.

Expanding Port Capacity to 300 Million Tons

Rasouli emphasized the vital role ports play in Iran’s economy, serving as crucial gateways for exports, imports, and transit trade. He noted there are significant untapped capacities within the country’s ports for increased cargo handling, which the government intends to maximize through a series of infrastructure upgrades and equipment expansions. Key projects include completing and commissioning 17 new berths and terminals, with 12 already operational, aimed at raising the nation’s nominal port capacity to 300 million tons.

He underscored Iran’s advantageous geopolitical and strategic location, which facilitates full utilization of port capacities. With substantial private sector involvement in port activities and investments, the Ports and Maritime Organization is simultaneously investing internal resources in critical infrastructure, fleet enhancement, and rescue services. Current projects valued at more than 170 trillion rials are underway. Among the major initiatives are the construction of oil berths at Shahid Rajaee Port, a new 50,000-ton oil berth at Chabahar, and a logistics corridor to Shahid Beheshti Port.

Strategic Development of Makran Coasts and Chabahar Port

Rasouli noted that Chabahar Port, Iran’s sole oceanic port, holds unmatched potential but had been neglected for years. Over the past decade, development efforts intensified, and a major leap forward will be the imminent connection of Chabahar to the national railway network. This rail link is expected to transform regional trade by connecting China, Central Asia, and Afghanistan to the Indian Ocean via Chabahar. The government is accelerating the completion of the Chabahar-Zahedan rail line, aiming for its integration into the national network by mid-2026. Internal rail infrastructure at Chabahar is also under construction to support seamless cargo operations upon this connection.

Commitment to Environmentally Responsible Growth

Addressing environmental concerns about development in Chabahar and Makran coast, Rasouli emphasized rigorous compliance with environmental assessments and civil defense reviews mandated by annual budget plans and national oversight bodies. Only projects fully vetted through these evaluations are allowed to proceed. The Ports and Maritime Organization is committed to minimizing environmental impact while acknowledging that development in pristine areas requires some alteration. The thorough studies undertaken aim to ensure that any environmental risks remain limited and manageable.

Enhancing Port Efficiency and Investment Climate

To drive port sector transformation, the Ports and Maritime Organization has launched four key programs. These include revising internal regulations to simplify and encourage private sector investment, recognized as vital under this government’s economic agenda. Despite supportive legislation, current investment levels fall short due to bureaucratic inefficiencies that these reforms aim to resolve.

Further initiatives focus on modernizing equipment to speed up cargo handling—reducing vessel waiting times and accelerating loading and unloading operations. The organization is also integrating ports with multi-modal transport networks to avoid logistical bottlenecks and facilitate a targeted increase in transit cargo volume to 40 million tons by the end of the Seventh Development Plan.

Lastly, the organization is prioritizing human capital development, emphasizing the need for skilled, motivated, and committed personnel to ensure sustainable growth and operational excellence across Iran’s maritime sector.

This comprehensive approach reflects Iran’s determination to leverage its maritime assets fully, modernize port infrastructure, and enhance international trade connectivity in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner.