Tehran Times reported that construction of Iran and Turkmenistan railway project was officially began in the city of Ganbad Kavoos, northern Iran at the presence of caretaker Transport Minister Ali Nikzad.

The railway project has special significance and plays an important role in promoting transportation in the region. It will connect the Central Asian countries to the Persian Gulf states. The 960 kilometers long railroad is projected to transport 3 million tonne to 5 million tonnes of goods per year. Based on the agreement, 150 kilometers of the railway will be built in Iran.

An initial agreement on the Iran, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan railway project was reached in 2008 and the final agreement was signed by presidents of the three countries in June 2010.

(Sourced from Tehran Times)