TEHRAN The freeway under construction between Tehran and northern cities of Iran is the shortest route which links the Caspian Sea to the Persian Gulf, said an official.
Talking to the reporters Seyed Mostafa Miri, director general of the project, added the freeway will play the main role in the transit of goods between north and south of the country.
The project has been studied from different viewpoints: economically, environmental aspects and technical points.
Due to the strategic position of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the construction of this route is essential, particularly after the disintegration of Soviet Union which led to the emergence of new republics in the region willing to reach other countries via Iran.
Construction of freeways in Iran involves 2 billion rials per kilometer while the said freeway needs 20 billion rials on the account of the construction of large number of tunnels, Miri stated.
Journey time via this road will be reduced to 1.5 from 4.5 hours and the road slope to 6 from 10 percent.