[SoroushPersepolisi]

problem is that when europe was building them, they built it with a homogenous and properly design style (architecturally)

regarding the locations , i agree do a degree. the rasht station is way out of town, rasht probably will not grow much there, and there is no specific planned infrastructure to connect it to the city. for a very dense area like shomal, all towns could have been heavily connected at a series of checkpoints that are near the entrance of the cities, but rasht's station really is in the middle of no where

even looking at chinese railways you can see the importance of urban connections, and some are even built within suburbs. rashts airport is closer to the city than the rail station

about esfahan etc i agree but i hope they are serious about the HSR near naghshe jahan, thats a good locations, its right in the city border

the current station is a joke, its nearly a 25 minute drive on an empty road from the city

 

[urbastar]

Railroad Project Kicks Off in Kerman

Construction of Sirjan-Kerman Railroad kicked off on Monday.

The project will cost 889 billion rials ($7 million) and take 30 months to complete, the CEO of Golgohar Mining and Industrial Company, located in Sirjan, said.

“Golgohar Complex and the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways will have a 65% and 35% share respectively in the construction of this railroad, which will be used to transfer both cargo and passengers,” Nasser Taqizadeh was also quoted as saying by IRNA.

Mohammad Reza Bani-Vaheb, the head of the board of Golgohar’s Atlas Construction Company that is implementing the project, also said the rail route will be 170 kilometers long and have the capacity to transport 11 million tons of cargo every year.

Sirjan is a county in the southeastern Kerman Province.

Considering the rich reserves of iron ore, among other minerals in Kerman, the rail route is expected to play a major role in the transportation of mineral products from there to processing plants in other parts of the country.

https://financialtribune.com/articles/domestic-economy/96792/railroad-project-kicks-off-in-kerman

 

[raghfarm007]

Qazvin city to Rasht city railway ready for official operation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZLD0Sp3OeE

 

[raghfarm007]

Jooz

 

[badgir]

Pictures of Qazvin-Rasht railway

Pictures of Qazvin-Rasht railway which has been opened today by president

Picture source: https://chamedanmag.ir/

The pictures have been taken in November 22, 2018 when the line has been shown to the press.

General data of the railway line:

Length: 164 km
9 intermediate stations
singel track, doubel track between Kuhin and Lowshan
33 tunnels
45 larger bridges
12 galleries
longest bridge (and now longest railway bridge in iran): Manjil lake 1430m

Years of construction: 13

The train service started today with a special train to Mashad for Martyr families (no comment). Regular service in first phase will have a train between Rasht and Tehran every 2 days and one pilgrim train Rasht-Mashad per week (tribute to Islamic Republic).

 

[SoroushPersepolisi]

massive development, important project and great scenic route. project looks nice also
but the time of completion talks alot. could have been somewhat shortened. though there was alot of tunnelling in hard areas. but 13 years is a big stretch, and i wish they created the infrastructure for electrification from now, so it would be later to switch later on

 

[badgir]

massive development, important project and great scenic route. project looks nice also
but the time of completion talks alot. could have been somewhat shortened. though there was alot of tunnelling in hard areas. but 13 years is a big stretch, and i wish they created the infrastructure for electrification from now, so it would be later to switch later on

The delay is mostly due to the fatal policy of the Ahmadinejad era. At that time many (railway) constructions have been started all over the country, but without any serious financing program. You may even find some older posting from some kickoff ceremony - like Tehran-Mashad electrification - which has not been completed yet (First project be ab...) Most of the projects dated back to the Kahtami government and some to the Rafsanjani government.

With the first term of the Rouhani government it became clear that it would have been impossible to continue all of these construction sites together. A priority program had been established, with speeding up some work which was near to completion and postpone other works. Some other projects were even put on hold completely and resumed only recently. The Rasht railway was almost in the second group.

Now that Kermanshah, Hamedan. Urmia and Rasht lines are in operation, next line openings will be Mianeh-Bostanabad(-Tabriz) and Khaf/Sangan-Ghourian(-Herat) in Afghanistan, while works continue on the Bostanabad-Tabriz section, Mianeh-Ardebil line, Rasht-Anzali, Hamedan-Sanandaj, Kermanshah-Eslamabad, (Tehran-)Qom-Esfahan high speed and Chabahar-Zaherdan line. Work on the Shiraz-Bushehr line also resumed recently (another abandoned site from Ahamadinejad era).

Meanwhile also double line work on many sections of the railway is under way. Many more projects are near to completion with construction works expected to start soon, like Rasht-Astara and others.

When it comes to electrification, future is still uncertain. With new US sanctions imposed, the program has seen a setback. Some important European technology partners like Siemens and Alstom have been forced to withdraw from their engagement in Iran. The place will most likely be filled by Russian and Chinese enterprises. But it may take more time to restart the process.

However - all new lines are prepared for future electrification, also Rasht line. Tunnel sections and bridges are ready for the installation of the catenary (overhead line) and the signal system is prepared for non-interference with the high voltage alternate currents.

 

[urbastar]

Tehran-Hamedan Passenger Rail Service Launched

A passenger rail service connecting the capital city Tehran to Hamedan started on Wednesday.

“Trains on this route can currently speed up to 140 kilometers per hour. Also, travel time on this route stands at about 3 hours and 20 minutes, one hour less compared with the road travel time between the same two provincial capitals,” Islamic Republic of Iran Railways' official, Rouhollah Taqizadeh, was quoted as saying by IRNA.

He added that at present, one train will be transporting passengers on this route and if the number of passengers increases, another train will be added to manage travels more efficiently. The new train service can currently carry 300-320 passengers.

The 267-kilometer-long railroad connecting the capital city Tehran and the central provincial capital Hamedan was inaugurated on May 6, 2017, in the presence of President Hassan Rouhani and the ex-minister of roads and urban development, Abbas Akhoundi.

Construction work began on the 9.7-trillion-rial ($260 million) project in 2001 with the aim of connecting Hamedan to Iran’s national rail network, the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development’s news service reported.

https://financialtribune.com/articles/travel/97196/tehran-hamedan-passenger-rail-service-launched

 

[SoroushPersepolisi]

The delay is mostly due to the fatal policy of the Ahmadinejad era. At that time many (railway) constructions have been started all over the country, but without any serious financing program. You may even find some older posting from some kickoff ceremony - like Tehran-Mashad electrification - which has not been completed yet (First project be ab...) Most of the projects dated back to the Kahtami government and some to the Rafsanjani government.

With the first term of the Rouhani government it became clear that it would have been impossible to continue all of these construction sites together. A priority program had been established, with speeding up some work which was near to completion and postpone other works. Some other projects were even put on hold completely and resumed only recently. The Rasht railway was almost in the second group.

Now that Kermanshah, Hamedan. Urmia and Rasht lines are in operation, next line openings will be Mianeh-Bostanabad(-Tabriz) and Khaf/Sangan-Ghourian(-Herat) in Afghanistan, while works continue on the Bostanabad-Tabriz section, Mianeh-Ardebil line, Rasht-Anzali, Hamedan-Sanandaj, Kermanshah-Eslamabad, (Tehran-)Qom-Esfahan high speed and Chabahar-Zaherdan line. Work on the Shiraz-Bushehr line also resumed recently (another abandoned site from Ahamadinejad era).

Meanwhile also double line work on many sections of the railway is under way. Many more projects are near to completion with construction works expected to start soon, like Rasht-Astara and others.

When it comes to electrification, future is still uncertain. With new US sanctions imposed, the program has seen a setback. Some important European technology partners like Siemens and Alstom have been forced to withdraw from their engagement in Iran. The place will most likely be filled by Russian and Chinese enterprises. But it may take more time to restart the process.

However - all new lines are prepared for future electrification, also Rasht line. Tunnel sections and bridges are ready for the installation of the catenary (overhead line) and the signal system is prepared for non-interference with the high voltage alternate currents.

thanks for the thorough explanation Badgir , do you know when rasht-anzali-astara will finish?

 

[badgir]

thanks for the thorough explanation Badgir , do you know when rasht-anzali-astara will finish?

Who knows?

They told that once the works have begun, it will take 5 years. With work starting in the current year, this might be around 2025.

 

[Alexsal]

Travelling on the overnight train from Tehran to Bandar Abbas. 1000+ miles on a sleeper as a tourist. Very enlightening as to how passenger trains work in Iran. The costs are ridiculous because of the devaluation but the scenery and experience is the same. Apart from the bit pulling out of Tehran esp going through Varaamin, the views are breathtaking.

A massive falafel sub for 35 cents is the killer.

 

[samiranparis]

Does anyone have any news about the construction of the high speed train between Tehran Qom and Ispahan?

 

[krisu99]

Does anyone have any news about the construction of the high speed train between Tehran Qom and Ispahan?

There is no progress at all. Earth works are mostly done except the last few kilometers towards Qom, many small underpasses are done, but almost all bridges and overpasses are missing.


I do not think Iran will be able to build a HSR line under the current embargo regime...

 

[Grille Chompa]

Is the HSR the construction that can be seen alongside some 20m apart from the existing Tehran-Qom railway section? I can't really tell if that's motorway or railway. It was only finished from the leveling and embanking perspective. Smaller tunnels were alread in place, but any river or valley crossings lacked any signs of bridge or their foundation when I was travelling in May 2019.

 

[samiranparis]

Hi everyone! Does anyone have any pictures of the construction of the high speed rail system between tehran qom and isfahan? I heard that the construction already began few weeks ago OR that the letter of credit with China building it is ready and will be finalized soon. Great for Iran to have this kind of rail!

 

[badgir]

11/28/19
Mianeh-Bostan Abad Railway inaugurated by Iran's President Rohani
Sourcec: Mehr News Agency; Islamic Republic News Agency

The Mianeh-Bostan Abad Railway officially started operation on Wednesday at the order of Iranian President Hassan Rohani during his visit to East Azerbaijan Province.

Heading a Cabinet delegation, President Rohani traveled to Tabriz, East Azarbaijan province for the inauguration of some development and healthcare projects, including Mianeh-Bostan Abad Railway.

The Mianeh-Bostan Abad Railway officially inaugurated at the order of President Rohani on Wednesday.

The railway is 132km long and has been constructed at a cost of 5 trillion rials beginning from Mianeh Station and runs to Bostan Abad Station (map), passing through Torkamanchay and Tikmeh Dash towns.

The president announced the connection of the Mianeh-Bostan Abad Railway to Tabriz by the end of the next Iranian year, saying that inauguration of Mianeh-Bostan Abad Railway was important for the country.

Source: payvand.com

Following a tradition of the Islamic Republic, the opening train was organized for the relatives of war victims, with destination Mashad (Tomb of Emam Reza).

The opening ceremony was a mixture between Kheimeh Shab Bazi (a traditional Iranian marionette theater for children) and a mourning ceremony with chants in Arabic, not exactly what one would expect for an event full of joy (see video).

However, at the beginning of the video there is a short description of the project with 44 kms still under construction to complete the line until Tabriz.

The final expected travel time between Tehran and Tabriz of 4 to 5 hours seems rather optimistic. Even 5 hours would need a lot more improvements on this line, such as the completion of double track between Tehran and Qazvin (under construction), the double track between Qazvin, Zanjan and Mianeh (which has yet to be done) and the electrification of the whole line. Last but not least, it would need new fast electric trains. Hopefully this will happen soon.

 

[FreddyB]

11/28/19
Mianeh-Bostan Abad Railway inaugurated by Iran's President Rohani
Sourcec: Mehr News Agency; Islamic Republic News Agency

The Mianeh-Bostan Abad Railway officially started operation on Wednesday at the order of Iranian President Hassan Rohani during his visit to East Azerbaijan Province.

Heading a Cabinet delegation, President Rohani traveled to Tabriz, East Azarbaijan province for the inauguration of some development and healthcare projects, including Mianeh-Bostan Abad Railway.

The Mianeh-Bostan Abad Railway officially inaugurated at the order of President Rohani on Wednesday.

The railway is 132km long and has been constructed at a cost of 5 trillion rials beginning from Mianeh Station and runs to Bostan Abad Station (map), passing through Torkamanchay and Tikmeh Dash towns.

The president announced the connection of the Mianeh-Bostan Abad Railway to Tabriz by the end of the next Iranian year, saying that inauguration of Mianeh-Bostan Abad Railway was important for the country.

Source: payvand.com

Following a tradition of the Islamic Republic, the opening train was organized for the relatives of war victims, with destination Mashad (Tomb of Emam Reza).

The opening ceremony was a mixture between Kheimeh Shab Bazi (a traditional Iranian marionette theater for children) and a mourning ceremony with chants in Arabic, not exactly what one would expect for an event full of joy (see video).

However, at the beginning of the video there is a short description of the project with 44 kms still under construction to complete the line until Tabriz.

The final expected travel time between Tehran and Tabriz of 4 to 5 hours seems rather optimistic. Even 5 hours would need a lot more improvements on this line, such as the completion of double track between Tehran and Qazvin (under construction), the double track between Qazvin, Zanjan and Mianeh (which has yet to be done) and the electrification of the whole line. Last but not least, it would need new fast electric trains. Hopefully this will happen soon.

So basically the president had a ceremony of opening a railway which literally started 20 years ago and it is still not complete in many ways (only 132km). Compare it to the 736 km which was made in the same amount of time which started from Tabriz to Tehran (1939-1959).

 

[badgir]

So basically the president had a ceremony of opening a railway which literally started 20 years ago and it is still not complete in many ways (only 132km). Compare it to the 736 km which was made in the same amount of time which started from Tabriz to Tehran (1939-1959).

This is correct but not a fair confront. The old line mostly follows flat and easy to build terrain. The existing Mianeh to Tabriz line makes a long detour south of Sahand mountains in order to avoid major difficulties. Alignment of this section has been poor in order to make construction cheaper, with speeds between 80 and 90 km/h.

The new line runs straight forward and mostly follows the main road/highway. In order to climb the mountains, huge construction work had to be done, with dozens of larger bridges and tunnels. The whole new line between Mianeh and Tabriz, which shortens the rail distance between Tehran and Tabriz for more than a hundred kms, will allow speeds between 120 and 160 km/h. It is entirely double track.

So construction efforts have been ways more difficult than with the old line. Delay in opening the missing 44 kms to Tabriz may be due to delays in land expropriation near Tabriz. These areas are much more populated then the route between Mianeh and Bostan Abad.

Iran has more than doubled its railway network in the last 40 years. It used to be some 5.000 kms but now it must be near 12.000 kms (I have no exact figure).

But you are right, it still takes too much time. Many new projects have been started during the government of Mr Ahmadinejad, but financial coverage had not been provided. So many construction works have been halted. The Rohani government has decided to finish them one by one with some projects still on hold. The current economic situation with short budgets may even add more delays...

 

[fredy1992]

Iran has more than doubled its railway network in the last 40 years. It used to be some 5.000 kms but now it must be near 12.000 kms (I have no exact figure).


It is approximately 14000 KM.

 

[FreddyB]

This is correct but not a fair confront. The old line mostly follows flat and easy to build terrain. The existing Mianeh to Tabriz line makes a long detour south of Sahand mountains in order to avoid major difficulties. Alignment of this section has been poor in order to make construction cheaper, with speeds between 80 and 90 km/h.

The new line runs straight forward and mostly follows the main road/highway. In order to climb the mountains, huge construction work had to be done, with dozens of larger bridges and tunnels. The whole new line between Mianeh and Tabriz, which shortens the rail distance between Tehran and Tabriz for more than a hundred kms, will allow speeds between 120 and 160 km/h. It is entirely double track.

So construction efforts have been ways more difficult than with the old line. Delay in opening the missing 44 kms to Tabriz may be due to delays in land expropriation near Tabriz. These areas are much more populated then the route between Mianeh and Bostan Abad.

Iran has more than doubled its railway network in the last 40 years. It used to be some 5.000 kms but now it must be near 12.000 kms (I have no exact figure).

But you are right, it still takes too much time. Many new projects have been started during the government of Mr Ahmadinejad, but financial coverage had not been provided. So many construction works have been halted. The Rohani government has decided to finish them one by one with some projects still on hold. The current economic situation with short budgets may even add more delays...

Yes, fair enough. It is a much harder route. But by principal, I have a problem with having a ceremony if it is not complete. Even if it there is only 44km remaining. 44km in this context is like a quarter missing.
But besides that, remember that my example was from decades ago, we shouldn't be comparing (and the fact that we are, shows we are not in our prime exactly).
Also, the whole idea of this project was to make the whole track to Tehran double rail-tracks to allow higher speed railway (which from my understanding it is not?)
Cherry on top, I wouldn't be surprised even if the Miyaneh to Bostanabad isn't actually fully complete and there are some work to be done on it.

P.S. Excuse my glass half emptiness, I am a bit moody these days haha