Border Infrastructure Development a Key Priority for RMTO
The Director General of the Department for Transit and International Transport has reaffirmed the Road Maintenance and Transportation Organization's commitment to enhancing border infrastructure, emphasizing that over the past few years, more than 12,000 billion Rials have been allocated annually to infrastructure projects related to Arbaeen. These initiatives include the improvement and upgrading of roads and border crossings in western Iran.
Speaking at a recent meeting of the Border Administrators’ Working Group in Kermanshah Province, Javad Heydati announced that efforts to develop border infrastructure will intensify in 2024 compared to previous years. He highlighted that, under the mandates of the 7th National Development Plan, Iran aims to achieve a target of 40 million tons of cargo transit by the plan's conclusion. This goal underscores the pressing need for ongoing enhancements at border crossings.
Mr. Heydati drew attention to the strategic importance of the Parvizkhan border in international trade and transit. He noted that the volume of incoming transit through Parvizkhan during the last Iranian year was nearly on par with that of Shahid Rajaei Port in Bandar Abbas, emphasizing its critical role in Iran's transit operations.
He also referenced a government resolution and the development of a comprehensive plan for the Sheikh Saleh, Shushmi, and Somar borders. With the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ endorsement and the Iraqi government's recognition, the implementation phases of this plan are set to begin soon.
Looking ahead, Heydati outlined RMTO’s future initiatives to improve border infrastructure, particularly to facilitate the movement of Arbaeen pilgrims. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and Parliament to expedite services and streamline transit procedures. Key priorities include securing resources for border-focused projects, ensuring the availability of technical human resources for round-the-clock border operations, and enhancing service delivery at border crossings.
In addressing challenges related to financial and currency services at border crossings, Mr. Heydati called for cooperation from the Central Bank to establish currency exchange offices and banking facilities at key locations. These measures are intended to better serve traders, drivers, and tourists.
The meeting in Kermanshah City was attended by senior officials, including the Executive Vice President, the Head of the Presidential Office, the Governor of Kermanshah, and representatives from due national and provincial organizations.