„ A test center for rail systems will be set up in collaboration with the Italian side”, Deputy Minister for International Affairs at the Ministry of Road and Urban Development, Asghar Fakhrieh Kashan, announced, adding that Iran is following up several rail projects together with Italy asserting “one of these being the Qom-Arak express train which will join the Tehran-Qom-Isfahan route.”
“The other joint plan with Italy is to buy facilities and equipment for Tehran-Qom-Isfahan railway despite the fact that the financing issues will be undertaken by China,” he continued.
Certain talks have also been conducted with Italy over supplying Tehran-Mashhad rolling stock; “we are willing to accomplish the project in collaboration with a European country and relevant negotiations have also been held with Siemens of Germany.”
“The contract with the Italian side for launching a test center is becoming finalized which will provide the possibility to test both rail lines and the fleet,” Fakhrieh Kashan highlighted.
Deputy road minister further underlined that Italy has begun studies for Tehran-Hamadan railway and a final agreement will most probably be inked with the Italian side.
The official touched upon the important condition set for Italy by the Iranian Ministry of Road and Urban Development; “the Italian side is required to invite domestic tenders for the project in order to hire Iranian contractors and operators who will fund the projects.”
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