The first intermodal transport, using TIR from India via Chabahar port in Iran, was completed last week.
Carrying factory line components, the operation took seven days in total - five by sea and two by road from Chabahar port in Iran to the final destination in Afghanistan. In comparison, the traditional route from Bandar Abbas port in Iran is three to four days longer. This was also the first TIR operation started from India and by an Indian TIR carnet holder.
TIR facilitates seamless, intermodal transport
Thanks to TIR and its IT tools, the risk management procedures were completed ahead of the journey. As a result, the containers were not opened for inspection at any of the borders crossed, including at Chabahar port.
Shippers in the region and beyond can now benefit from reduced sea and land transport times, with Afghan goods set to arrive safely and securely at their destination up to 20% faster.
“This first intermodal TIR transport from India along the Chabahar corridor is an exciting development in the region and goes to demonstrate the wider potential of intermodal TIR for shippers and transport operators around the world,” said IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto.
Chabahar - a key TIR trade gateway to and from India
In addition to linking Iran to Afghanistan, Central Asia, Russia and eventually Europe, Chabahar also is the only Iranian port with direct access to the Indian Ocean.
This first TIR transport operation is based on the Chabahar transit agreement signed between India and Iran, and represents the initial step towards the full activation of the India-Iran-Afghanistan route.
“The opening of new corridors is especially important given the current circumstances resulting from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic. The facilitation of new, faster and more secure routes ensures that the goods keep getting to the people who need them,” concluded Mr de Pretto.