Iran–Russia Trade Corridor: New Rail Route Cuts Transit Time by 40%

The newly opened Rasht–Astara rail link on the North–South International Transport Corridor (INSTC) is now operational for refrigerated freight, opening new possibilities for fresh produce exporters.

The long-awaited Rasht–Astara rail section of the INSTC became operational for commercial freight in March 2025. For agricultural exporters, this is a landmark development: refrigerated containers can now move from Tehran's Aprin logistics hub to St. Petersburg in approximately 10 days, compared to 17 days via the Caspian ferry route. ParsAgrex has already secured slots on the first commercial refrigerated trains, with the first shipment of Mazafati dates and saffron scheduled for May 2025.