Ahvaz, Khouzestan Prov., Jan 12, IRNA � Following conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Iran and Iraq on December 31 for expansion of railway transportation cooperation, executive operations will begin on Thursday this week for connection of Basra-Shalamche railway, which will serve as a new and effective step towards expansion of bilateral relations.
��The MoU was signed by Minister of Roads and Urban Development Abbass Akhoundi and Iraqi Minister of Transportation Baqir Jabr Al-Zubeidi.
Under the deal, the two sides agreed to build 37 km railway network between Shalamche and Basra, thus linking the two countries' railway networks so as to make it possible to raise volume of commercial and economic transactions through transport of of more cargoes and passengers.

The agreement envisions construction of a 700-meter suspension bridge over Arvand River as a requisite for connection of Iran-Iraq railway network.

Based on the accord, the two countries will promote cooperation in air, railway, maritime and technical-engineering transportation.

Also, due to need for big ships and vessels to pass through Arvandroud, the two sides want to take executive measures to dredge the border river in the shortest possible time.

Iranian Roads and Urban Development Minister said Iran and Iraq agreed on railway connection from Shalamche border. He said the border bridge will be complete in 18 months. 'In the next four weeks, dredging operations in Arvand waterway will start and then 12,000-ton ships can cross the waterway.'

The Iraqi government has proposed that a suspension bridge be built over the river. Once the project is complete, many passengers using roads for treavel, will turn to railway.

Meanwhile, Baqir Jabr Al-Zubeidi said that the railway will be 37 kms long and will connect all the Iraqi railway networks to Iran and then to China.

Al-Zubeidi said Iraq is fully ready for the job. 'We have prepared all necessary means .

The Iraqi minister said the idea of linking the two countries through Kermanshah border city will be followed up and a third line will be built for easy transfer of passengers and cargoes.

He noted that during his visit ground was prepared for crossing of vessels from Arvandroud and transfer of pilgrims from Shalamche border area, thus resulting in increase in volume of mutual transactions.

This is while, projects director at a private investment company in Iraq, Javad Tavakoli, announced that the railway will connect Iran to Mediterranean, Syria, Saudi Arabia, North Turkey and Jordan.

Tavakoli said construction of Shalamche-Basra railway at a low cost will connect Iran to Mediterranean, Ladegia in Syria, Saudi Arabia, North Turkey and Jordan.

Tavakoli, who has undertaken management of development projects in an Iranian private investment company in Iraq, said the Abadan-Shalamche railway project with a length of 18 km has been build and talks were held between the two sides for construction of the remaining part of the railway from Shalamche to Basra.

By IRNA

 

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