RZD Logistics, a subsidiary of the Russian Railways, launched the first regular container train service from Russia to Iran along the eastern branch of the North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
The new train service will transit Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan before crossing Iranian territory to link with further destinations, like India, via sea services, RZD Logistics announced in its Friday press release.
“On the way back, the train will also be loaded with products for the Russian market,” RZD added.
RZD started testing transportation through this route as early as July, when it sent the first container train destined for India, to the port of Nava Sheva. That test train followed the same route as the official service will follow. Between July and late October, at least six pilot trains ran along this route before it became a regular service.