News from Islamic Republic of Iran Railways, 2005-07-20

In a meeting of Iraq’s minister of trans. and RAI President on July 16,2005, both parties stressed on the earlier start of khorramshahr-Basreh railway .

As told by Iraqi delegates, the feasibility studies of the plan has been finished in Iraq . In this meeting Iraq’s minister of trans. pointed to the 600 thousand tones of petroleum and its derivatives being exported through Syria’s railways and expressed hope that the establishment of the project will make easier rail connections for Iraq.

He also declared Iraq’s willingness to take advantage of Iran’s expertise in construction of Karbala –Najaf railway and overhauling of locomotives and wagons.

RAI president also expressed Iran’s inclination for construction of Khorramshahr- Basreh railway and referred to the two operational phases : firstly, infrastructure and superstructure of tracks throughout the way in Iran and Iraq and secondly, bridge construction over Arand –Roud.

At the end of meeting, Iraq’s delegation visited Tehran Railway station.