National dimensions of efficient and dynamic system are of great importance for a country like Iran with specific geopolitical location. But, urban transport has increasing special position because of issues regarding urban environment, air pollution, traffic, and importance of economy in the context of city. Transport system has economic, political, cultural, and social impacts at national and urban dimensions. Inefficient and weak transport system is a big hurdle in maintaining national economic security. Every strong and independent country requires a powerful transport system both at national and international level for administering the society.

Economic development, rise in product and employment, expanding domestic and foreign business, transit industry, development of national and foreign tourism, investment efficiency, efficient and optimal movement of physical capital and labor market factors, economic activists’ access to economic centers, increase in national welfare, cultural and political development in facilitating communication, improving political position of counties internationally, enhancing security of central government, increasing the country’s defense capabilities, social integration, the development of social relationships and increasing social cohesion are due to the expansion of transport in the literature of global development. Development of internal transport system and its connection to international transport system is very beneficial in different aspects for countries. Issues in upstream documents can prepare the ground for achieving it. Increasing resilience and reducing the vulnerability of the country through development of strategic relations of cooperation and partnership with countries in the region and the world, especially neighboring countries have been mentioned in paragraph 12 of the general economic policies of resistance.

The development of railway lines connected to national and international rail axis North - South and East - West joint venture with neighboring foreign countries, in addition to considerable foreign exchange for the country’s economic development and it will increase bilateral and multilateral economic cooperation with neighboring countries. Common interest to politically will lead to deepening of regional relations with neighboring countries and neighboring countries to establish diplomatic engagement toward Iran. This measure is very important and effective in defense strategies. It can lead to increase soft power in international relations, as well as reduce the vulnerability of the Islamic Republic in the international conflict.

Also, one of the most important effects of regional balance and enhance the economic development of rail transport in the country’s less developed regions and disadvantaged areas. National rail lines could provide the possibility of establishing a regional balance largely. Deprived areas that are in the path of the railway line can be enjoyed the benefits take advantage of opportunities to develop economic, social and cultural development. This is the case in paragraph 18 of the draft general policies of the sixth program entitled “achieving balance with emphasis on facilitating regional and cross-border investment in less developed regions”. Crossing the railway line could increase the attractiveness of investment in the region. It will result in improving the business environment in the less developed regions. Economic experts believe that the rail transport industry, industrial potential that is capable of planning and allocating appropriate funding and proper management can play a role as one of the growth factors.

Source: Donyaye Eqtesad Newspaper

Code : 3672

date: January 9, 2016