Iran’ rail operator Railways of the Islamic Republic of Iran (RAI) and the Aras Free Zone Organization have signed an MoU to transform Jolfa railway station into a key transport and logistics hub. The agreement outlines cooperation in railway infrastructure development, rail fleet modernization, enhancement of the Jolfa International Railway Station, construction of freight terminals and logistics centers, and efforts to increase the share of rail transport across international transport corridors. The initiative is expected to reinforce the Aras Free Zone’s standing as an international transit and freight hub.
The MoU was concluded in recognition of the strategic importance of the Jolfa International Railway Station, which is positioned at the crossroads of regional and global rail networks. Its goals include supporting sustainable development, improving economic efficiency, expanding rail transport capacity, and strengthening Iran’s presence within the North–South and East–West International Transport Corridors.
Modernization Aims to Boost Freight and Passenger Capacity
Under the terms of the agreement, the parties will work together to rehabilitate and develop the active rail fleet operating along the Jolfa corridor. The measures are intended to increase passenger and freight transport capacity, expand transit activity, support exports, and create new rail transport routes. The agreement further includes the modernization, expansion and upgrading of the Jolfa railway station, with particular emphasis on digitalization, smart technologies, modern freight terminals, logistics centers, and expanded combined rail-road transport services.
Additional commitments cover the development of supporting infrastructure designed to maximize the use of international transport corridors. Plans include the digitization and automation of freight loading, unloading and rail traffic management processes within the station area. The parties also agreed to examine legal mechanisms related to access routes through railway lands, land-use organization, traffic facilitation, and the feasibility of constructing additional branch railway lines to expand the operational capacity of Jolfa International Station. Implementation of the agreement is expected to support rail fleet modernization, logistics infrastructure growth, multimodal transport development, greater economic efficiency, and a stronger role for the Aras Free Zone in international transit and freight operations.
Capacity Expansion and Regional Connectivity Remain Key Priorities
The CEO of the Iranian Railways said Jolfa railway station possesses considerable potential for cargo transit growth, international transportation expansion and stronger cooperation with neighboring countries due to its location on one of northwestern Iran’s most significant rail corridors.
Jabbar-Ali Zakari, CEO of the Railways of the Islamic Republic of Iran, visited the Jolfa railway station during a one-day trip to Jolfa County, where he stressed the importance of fully utilizing the station’s strategic capabilities to support international transit, freight transportation and regional economic development.
During the visit, he assessed infrastructure, facilities, operational performance, logistics capabilities and development projects. Referring to the station’s role within the national railway network, he said, “Jolfa Railway Station, due to its location on one of the country’s most important northwestern rail corridors, has substantial capacity for expanding international transport, increasing freight transit, and strengthening rail cooperation with neighboring countries.”
Zakari also emphasized the importance of maximizing existing resources, saying, “Improving the efficiency of border railway stations and expanding logistics services are among the railway’s primary priorities, and Jolfa Station can play an important role in achieving these objectives.”
Highlighting the contribution of rail transport to economic growth, he said, “Strengthening the infrastructure of border railway stations and expanding their operational capacity will facilitate greater trade, increased exports, higher transit volumes, and an enhanced position for Iran within international transport corridors.”
He further underscored the need for coordination across railway departments to improve efficiency, enhance service quality and expand logistics operations at Jolfa Station.
