Russian Railways subsidiary RZD International signed a contract with Islamic Republic of Iran Railways (RAI) to electrify the 495 km route from Garmsar to Incheh Borun during Russian President Mr Vladimir Putin’s visit to Tehran on 23 November. The contract was signed by Mr Segei Pavlov, CEO of RZD International, and Mr Mohsen Pur Seyed Agayi, Iran’s Deputy Minister of Roads and City Planning, Chairman of the Board and CEO of RAI.

The contract is worth in excess of €1.2bn and is financed by a Russian Federation government credit allocation to the government of Iran.

The scope of the project includes the electrification of the existing 495 km railway between Garmsar and Incheboron, 203 km of which runs through the Alborz Mountains. Under the contract RZD will develop, supply, equip and construct electrification on the line which serves 32 stations and operates through 95 tunnels. RZD says the project, which will take three years to complete, will significantly increase capacity on the line and maximum speeds on certain stretches. Completion is expected to take three years.

(Source: press release, Russian Railways)