In a message released to the 19th International Railroad Transportation Conference on Tuesday, Pezeshkian described railway development as an investment in the country's economic future and public welfare, emphasizing that Iran's progress requires infrastructure capable of supporting economic growth, preserving national resources, and improving people's quality of life.
He said railway transportation is one of the most important components of this infrastructure, as it can connect production centers to domestic and international markets, reduce transportation costs, and improve the safety and sustainability of transportation, thereby strengthening production, expanding trade, and enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy.
The president emphasized that the country's geographical position can become a sustainable advantage only when supported by an efficient and competitive transportation and logistics infrastructure network. Completing rail corridors, connecting ports and production centers to the network, and expanding cooperation with neighboring countries can enhance Iran's regional transit position and increase trade exchanges and sustainable foreign currency revenues.
Pezeshkian said the future of railway transportation depends on harnessing knowledge, technology, and innovation. He stressed that intelligent railway network management, the development of digital systems, electronic data exchange among railways, customs authorities, ports, and transportation companies, as well as the use of modern technologies in fleet maintenance, should lead to greater safety, shorter transportation times, and improved service quality.
He also called on the country's scientific and engineering community, in cooperation with industry and knowledge-based companies, to develop innovative and practical solutions to the sector's priority challenges and needs, urging executive bodies to facilitate the application of these achievements.
The full text of the president's message is as follows:
In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
The 19th International Railway Transportation Conference provides a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience, examine challenges, and present appropriate solutions for developing the country's railway transportation sector.
The progress of our great Iran requires infrastructure that supports economic growth, preserves national resources, and improves people's quality of life. Railway transportation is one of the most important components of this infrastructure. By connecting production centers to domestic and international markets, reducing transportation costs, and improving the safety and sustainability of transportation, it can help strengthen production, expand trade, and enhance the competitiveness of the country's economy. Therefore, railway development should be regarded as an investment in the country's economic future and public welfare.
At a time when addressing the imbalance between energy supply and demand is one of the country's priorities, increasing the share of railway transportation in freight and passenger movement is an undeniable necessity. The higher energy efficiency of this sector offers an opportunity to reduce fuel consumption, pollution, and economic and social costs. Realizing this potential requires the electrification of railway lines, fleet modernization, the removal of bottlenecks across the network, and the creation of conditions conducive to private-sector participation and investment.
Our country's geographical position can become a sustainable advantage only when accompanied by an efficient and competitive network of transportation and logistics infrastructure. Completing rail corridors, connecting ports and production centers to the network, and expanding cooperation with neighboring countries can enhance Iran's position in regional transit and pave the way for increased trade exchanges and sustainable foreign currency revenues.
In this regard, establishing an East-West corridor through Afghanistan and connecting it to China's railway network opens up significant prospects for regional cooperation. Advancing the Herat-Mazar-i-Sharif route, pursuing its connection to the railway networks of East Asia, and completing this corridor inside Iran through the construction of the Khavaran-Cheshmeh Sorayya railroad link can help expand trade, unlock the region's production and mineral potential, and strengthen Iran's position in international trade chains.
Alongside this strategic mission, expanding suburban train services is an important necessity for urban life and a response to people's everyday needs. Expanding these services in coordination with metro systems and other forms of public transportation can help reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and fuel consumption, facilitate citizens' commutes, and provide more equitable access to employment, educational, and service opportunities.
The future of railway transportation depends on the extent to which knowledge, technology, and innovation are harnessed. Intelligent network management, the development of digital systems, electronic data exchange among railways, customs authorities, ports, and transportation companies, and the application of modern technologies in fleet maintenance should lead to greater safety, shorter transportation times, and improved service quality. The success of these developments must be measured by tangible improvements in the quality of services provided to passengers, producers, and exporters.
The country's scientific and engineering community is expected to work with industry and knowledge-based companies to offer innovative and practical solutions to the sector's priority challenges and needs, while executive bodies should create the conditions necessary to make use of these achievements. Developing this sector also requires building investors' confidence, ensuring regulatory transparency, maintaining stability in commitments, and facilitating effective private-sector participation.
I hope this conference, drawing on the scientific and practical experience of Iran and the world, will pave the way for effective solutions to develop railway infrastructure, improve efficiency, and expand regional cooperation.
I would like to express my appreciation to the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways, the Iranian Railway Engineering Association, Iran University of Science and Technology, and all the professors, researchers, and organizers involved in this scientific event. I pray to Almighty God for the success of all those working toward the country's progress and service to its people.
Maryam Abolbagha - Maryam Abolbagha
