Indian Government Plans To Revive Chabahar–Zahedan Rail Corridor: Report

India is preparing to revive the 700-km Chabahar–Zahedan railway corridor in Iran. According to a report by Mint, New Delhi intends to raise the project during upcoming engagements with Iranian officials as regional conditions improve following recent diplomatic developments in West Asia.

The proposed rail link, connecting the strategically important Chabahar Port with Zahedan near the Afghan border, is viewed as a vital component of India's connectivity ambitions under the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

The corridor is expected to integrate Chabahar with Iran's national railway network, creating a shorter and more efficient route for cargo destined for Afghanistan, Central Asia and Eurasian markets.

The project would also allow Indian trade to bypass Pakistan while offering an alternative to the China-backed Gwadar Port and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The renewed push comes as prospects improve for the return of Iranian crude oil to the Indian market after several years, following recent diplomatic developments that could ease restrictions on Iran's energy exports.