TEHRAN – The first passenger train from Tehran to Hamedan was inaugurated on Wednesday, establishing a new link between the two Iranian cities, ISNA reported.

The inauguration ceremony was held in attendance of several local officials and MPs.

Construction operations of the rail route started in 2005, the report said. 

Known in classical times as Ecbatana, Hamadan was one of the ancient world’s greatest cities. It was the capital of Media and subsequently a summer residence of the Achaemenian kings who ruled Persia from 553 to 330 BC.

Ali Sadr cave, Ganjnameh inscriptions, Avicenna mausoleum, Hegmataneh hill, Alaviyan dome, Jameh mosque, and St. Stephanos Gregorian Church are amongst Hamedan’s attractions to name a few.

AFM/MQ/MG