Iran has completed the construction of the Chabahar–Zahedan railway line, a 730-km corridor linking Iran’s southeastern port city of Chabahar with Zahedan near the Afghanistan border. Reports say the project includes 33 stations, 39 tunnels and 201 bridges, and is intended to add a land transport route that connects maritime access to regional markets.
Outlets describe the completion as part of broader efforts to strengthen connectivity for landlocked countries, particularly Afghanistan and Central Asia. Some coverage says full operations could begin within three to four months after final safety inspections, while another notes a target to commission the strategic railway by January 2027. The rail link is also presented as an alternative corridor that could reduce reliance on other routes through the region.
Both sources connect the rail development with continuing India–Iran discussions over the Chabahar Port. Coverage highlights that US sanctions uncertainty has affected the port project, including changes to sanctions exemptions and waivers. India’s role in port operations and future management arrangements are described as ongoing topics, while the rail line is positioned as supportive infrastructure for India’s access to Central Asian routes via Iranian territory.
