Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed to the European Economic Union (EEU) the construction of a high-speed freight rail link between Kazakhstan and Iran, RIA Novosti reported on May 25.
Tokayev outlined how the railway would run from Chelyabinsk in southern Russia, near the Kazakh border, through to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and then Iran. The EEU’s members are Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia and Belarus.
Tokayev also called for the reconstruction of bottleneck sections of the Beineu-Mangistau railway network and of a segment of the Beineu-Shalkar highway, both in in western Kazakhstan.
Further, he suggested joint investment ventures in the construction of infrastructure in Iran and at Turkmenistan's sea and dry ports.
Journey times from Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest metropolis, to the Iranian border currently stretch to a lengthy three to five days, with the distance approximately 3,500 kilometres.
High-speed freight trains typically travel at speeds between 200 km/h and 350 km/h, compared to the maximum speed 120 km/h of ordinary freight trains.
Don’t just follow the news—understand it.
The IntelliNews PRO service includes access to reports, exclusive market data, and more news that decision-makers care about. Stay ahead of the market with IntelliNews PRO.
Sign Up NowRelated Articles
US sanctions Iranian crypto exchange Nobitex over terrorism financing
The United States has imposed sanctions on Iranian cryptocurrency exchange Nobitex, the country's largest digital asset platform, along with several individuals linked to it, the Treasury ... more
Iran sets conditions for response to new US nuclear proposal
Iran has received a new written proposal from the United States aimed at reviving nuclear talks but has yet to respond, with senior officials saying Tehran's concerns must first be addressed, Fars ... more
Diplomatic progress prompts cautious resumption of Hormuz transit
The tentative reopening of the Strait of Hormuz has allowed critical LNG and crude tankers to resume transit amid progressing US-Iran diplomatic negotiations. WHAT: Shipping traffic has increased ... more