Tickets for passenger trains from Tehran to Van will be available starting February 20, announced Iran's Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadiq, during a joint press conference with Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu in Ankara.

The reintroduction of the Tehran-Van train service is expected to strengthen ties between the two neighboring countries and boost regional tourism.

Minister Sadiq emphasized that the revival of passenger rail services will significantly contribute to tourism development between Iran and Türkiye. She also stressed the mutual benefits of increased freight and passenger transportation, highlighting how it would not only enhance bilateral cooperation but also bring economic advantages to the entire region.

"Strengthening transportation links—whether by rail, air, or road—is essential for fostering growth and connectivity between our nations," Sadiq remarked, noting the importance of recent decisions aimed at improving these sectors.

The announcement follows discussions between Iranian and Turkish officials on expanding cooperation in railway, air, and highway transportation. Both sides agreed on measures to facilitate trade and travel, which are expected to further solidify economic and cultural exchanges between the two nations.

This initiative marks another step toward enhancing the infrastructure needed to support increased mobility and economic integration across the region. (ILKHA)