Passenger Train Company of Iran (RAJA) plans to introduce a new international passenger route connecting Mashhad, Iran, with Mary, Turkmenistan, announced Jabbar Ali Zakeri, CEO of RAJA. The announcement was reported by Mehr News on Sunday.

According to Mr. Zakeri, this new route will serve as an important tool for strengthening economic and trade relations with Central Asian countries. Once fully operational, the route will provide Iranian passengers with more convenient access to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

Simultaneously, RAJA is preparing to launch a direct rail service between Tehran and Ankara, complementing existing routes to the Turkish city of Van. Currently, Iranian and Turkish officials are finalizing financial terms and tariff policies. The first trains on this new route could begin operation within the next two months.

RAJA also plans to open a passenger route linking the Iranian cities of Tehran and Mashhad with Herat in Afghanistan.

Jabbar Ali Zakeri emphasized that the implementation of these new projects will significantly expand passenger transportation capabilities and enhance economic and trade cooperation between Iran and Central Asian countries.

In addition, construction of the Sarakhs railway terminal in Iran, located near the border with Turkmenistan, is nearing completion.