Iran has launched rail transit of 50,000 tons of Iraqi petroleum products through western Kermanshah province to markets in Turkey and Afghanistan, Iranian media reported.
The new route is aimed at expanding regional trade, strengthening rail-based transit and reducing reliance on maritime transportation.
Kermanshah Deputy Governor for Economic Affairs Rostamzad said the province’s border and railway infrastructure gives it strong potential to become a regional transit hub. Kermanshah borders Iraq and has six border crossings with the country.
He highlighted rail transport’s advantages, including lower costs and energy consumption, greater cargo safety, fewer road accidents and increased employment.
Rostamzad described the 50,000-ton shipment as a major development for Kermanshah’s rail sector and said it was the first contract to transport such a large volume of petroleum products through the province’s railway network.