Alstom and Iran’s Industrial Development & Renovation Organization (IDRO) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for co-operation in the mainline and urban transport sectors.
The MoU aims to start discussions for industrial co-operation with IDRO, including the possible formation of a joint venture to undertake rolling stock production and maintenance in Iran to better address the country’s needs.
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The collaboration is expected to help in the development of the country’s infrastructure and urban and national public transportation, as well as contribute to the redynamisation of the local economy.
Alstom Group executive vice-president Henri Poupart-Lafarge said: "This MoU reflects the strong desire of the Iranian authorities to develop the country’s railway sector and Alstom is looking forward to accompanying Iran in its transformation."
In the Middle East and Africa region, Alstom has more than 1,500 employees, 1,400 suppliers and several joint-ventures in Algeria, Morocco and South Africa.
Last October, Iran announced its plans to invest $25bn over the next ten years in the modernisation and expansion of its railway network.
The investment is expected to extend Iran Railways’ track length from the current 15,000km to 25,000km by 2025.
The upgrade would support the efforts of the country to align with the regional rail networks in the Persian Gulf and the subcontinent to Central Asia.
Iran’s infrastructure will connect to China’s Silk Road through the International North-South Transport Corridor.
Image: Alstom to develop mainline and urban transport sectors in Iran. Photo: courtesy of Alstom.
