Passenger Traffic Soars 38% at Bileh Savar Border Terminal!
Passenger traffic at the Bileh Savar border terminal has seen a remarkable increase of 38% during the first nine months of the current Iranian year, which began on March 20, 2024. According to Lotfollah Babai, the director of the terminal, this surge highlights the terminal’s growing importance as a vital crossing point between Iran and the Azerbaijan Republic.
In a recent statement to reporters, Babai revealed that the number of passengers utilizing the terminal has risen significantly. Last year, only 68,441 passengers passed through this key border point, but this year, that number has skyrocketed to over 94,000.
- 1,178 Iranian passengers crossed the terminal
- 93,177 foreign nationals utilized the terminal
Interestingly, the majority of Iranian passengers chose to cross on foot, while foreign travelers predominantly relied on buses. However, Babai also noted a concerning trend: there has been a 34% decrease in the number of incoming Iranian passengers compared to last year. Specifically, the terminal welcomed only 1,165 Iranian passengers this year, a decrease from 1,755 the previous year.
When discussing the flow of foreign travelers, Babai provided the following statistics:
- 43,957 foreign nationals entered Iran through the Bileh Savar border terminal
- 49,220 foreign travelers departed during the same period
This indicates a significant increase of 40% in foreign passenger departures compared to the previous year, which recorded only 35,166 travelers exiting through the terminal. These figures underscore the growing role of the Bileh Savar terminal in facilitating international travel.
In addition to passenger traffic, the Bileh Savar border terminal has also experienced a substantial volume of vehicle crossings. Over the past nine months, a total of 116,377 vehicles, both loaded and empty, crossed the border. The breakdown of vehicle traffic is as follows:
- 60,454 vehicles entered Iran
- 55,923 vehicles exited through Bileh Savar
- 113,932 trucks
- 2,445 buses
This data indicates a 43% increase in bus crossings and a 19% increase in truck traffic compared to the same period last year, further emphasizing the terminal’s significance in regional logistics and transportation.
The Bileh Savar border terminal is strategically located in Ardabil province, making it a crucial link in the region. Here are some key facts about its location:
- It is 159 kilometers from the provincial capital of Ardabil
- Located 50 kilometers from the nearest airport
- Approximately 130 kilometers from Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan
With its growing passenger and vehicle traffic, the Bileh Savar border terminal plays a vital role in enhancing connectivity between Iran and its neighboring countries. As travel and trade continue to expand, this terminal is expected to remain a key player in regional transportation dynamics.
