TEHRAN Most analysts believe that the railway services inaugurated on Saturday between Tehran and the Syrian capital Damascus will boost the tourist industry in the region.

The first train left Tehran for Damascus on Saturday.

The same analysts believe that bilateral and multiliteral trade will also be enhanced by the smooth flow of rail traffic.

Many observers believe that similar rail connections should be established between Tehran and the capitals of other regional countries, particularly the Central Asian republics.

The Tehran-Damascus railway line will also increase the number of pilgrims visiting religious shrines in Damascus and Iran.

The railway could also provide facilities for pilgrims wishing to visit the shrine of the first Imam of the Shi'ites, Harat Ali (AS), and other important religious shrines in Iraq.

The Iranian Roads and Transportations Minister, Rahman Dadman on Saturday said that the new rail connection would assure foreign regional investors about the safety of their potential investments.