Minister of road and urban development of Iran soon pay to visit Iraq in a bid to pursue a plan to connect the railroad networks of the two neighboring countries.
Akhondi informed that the railroad track in Iran will be extended up to Shalamcheh and then connected to Iraq's railroad via a bridge.
On 31st December, Iranian and Iraqi transport ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for expansion of railroad transportation cooperation. Under the deal, the two sides agreed to build 37 km of railroad between Shalamcheh in Iran and Basra in Iraq, thus linking the two countries’ railroads.
The project will make it possible for the neighboring countries to raise the volume of commercial and economic transactions through transport of more cargoes and passengers. The agreement envisions construction of a 700-meter suspension bridge over Arvand River as a requisite for the connection of Iran-Iraq railroads.
Akhondi announced, “I will visit Iraq today to discuss the details of the issue with the Iraqi side and reach an agreement.”
Earlier in December, Mohammad Baqer Nobakht, the spokesman for the Iranian administration, noted that the order to link Iran’s railroad network with that of Iraq has been issued by the cabinet.
"This project can be beneficial for further communication between the two neighboring countries and the two nations, especially for the pilgrims traveling to the holy city of Karbala," Nobakht said.
Updated 16 Apr 2015 | Soruce: Tasnim | By S.Seal