Officials from Iran and Russia will finalize a contract on the completion of construction operation of Rasht - Astara Railroad next month, Iran's minister of roads and urban development said.

Alexei Overchuk lauded Iran’s role in advancing the Rasht–Astara railway, saying the trilateral project with Azerbaijan is setting the stage for deeper regional integration and faster trade flows across Eurasia.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for efforts to expedite the construction of a key railway project in the north of the country.

Iran's Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh, has hailed the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway as a pivotal step in advancing the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).