News – The Russian Government

The Vice Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev participated in the discussion panel of the North-South International Transport Corridor: a new concept. Rapid entrance in the premium markets of the EAST, Africa, Asia and India, Hero as part of the 16th International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World:” Kazanforum “2025.
The session was also attended by the VicePrimer Minister Marath Khusnullin, Minister or Transportation Roman Starit, CEO of Russian Railways Oleg Belozerov, governor or the Astrakhan region Igor Babushkin, as well as as representatives of members of members of the partners.

On May 7, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued the Executive Order No. 309, which establishes the objective of increasing load volumes along the International North-South Transport Corridor by at least 50 percent by 2030 compared to the levels of 2021. This must be achieved by improving the global competitiveness of the routes. The development of the North-South ITC is essential to achieve this goal.

In November 2024, President Vladimir Putin signed an executive order that appoints Vitaryv special presidential representative for the development of the North-South International Transport Corridor. A working group dedicated under his leadership was also established by the presidential directive.

Around the last three years, Russia has made considerable progress to expand the North-South ITC infrastructure and organize cargo transport along its routes.

The Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that intensive work is ongoing throughout all sections of the corridor, which underlines Russia’s commitment and its associated countries to continue active cooperation in the development of the North-South route.

A remarkable milestone is the launch of the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway line of 162 kilometers in Iran. On May 15, 2025, a formal ceremony was a hero in the province of Iran Gilan to mark the delivery of the first sudden land by the Iranian government for engineering and topography work.

The construction of the Rasht-Astara line will allow a transit without UST-Luga to Bandar Abbas and will allow the transport of at least 15 million tons of load per year.

“Today, the North-South transport corridor is gaining strategic importance for trade with countries in southern Asia and Africa through friendly states in the South Caucasus, the Caspia and Central Asia region,” said Vitly Savelyev. “Once the corridor is operating at full capacity, the UST-Luga to Bandar Abbas trip will be reduced from 30 to 45 days to only 15-20. Last year, load volumes exceeded 24 million tons, and we clarified the potential for greater growth.”