Explanation of the role of dry port in the regional development of Zahedan city

Subject Areas : urbanism

Pourya Ahmadian ¹ , Seyed Moslem Seyedolhosseini ² , Maryam Daneshvar ³

1 - PhD Candidate, Department of Urban Planning, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran.
2 - Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran.
3 - Assistant Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran.

Received: 2024-09-19 Accepted : 2025-02-28 Published : 2025-03-17

Keywords: Dry port, regional development, Zahedan city, Sistan and Baluchistan province,

Abstract :

This research has been done in order to investigate the role of the dry port and its different dimensions and its effects on the
regional development of Zahedan. The primary objective is to analyze key factors influencing the establishment of a dry
port and its impacts on Zahedan and the broader Sistan and Baluchestan provinces. Dry ports, as essential infrastructure in
transportation and logistics, facilitate transportation flows, reduce transit costs, enhance logistical capacity, and improve
quality of life. Given Zahedan’s strategic location near Afghanistan and Pakistan, developing a dry port could accelerate
economic growth, create employment, and strengthen regional trade relations. This project is expected to enhance trade
relations between Iran and neighboring countries, contributing to economic stability in the region. This research adopts a
mixed-methods explanatory approach. In the quantitative section, 109 questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS 21, with the
Friedman test used to prioritize key factors. The most significant factors identified include economic impacts, infrastructure
quality, and employment conditions. The qualitative section involved 24 interviews with experts in transportation, logistics,
and commerce, analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding in Maxqda 24.4. The combination of these methods provides
a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the topic. The findings highlight several critical factors in dry port
development, including the geographical location, control over traffic impacts, availability of economic infrastructure, and
its role in stimulating regional economic growth. Additionally, access to multi-modal transportation )rail, road, and air(,
unemployment reduction, job creation, sustainable economic development, and the expansion of shipping agency services
are crucial elements identified. Qualitative interviews revealed that a dry port in Zahedan could lower transportation costs,
accelerate exports, attract both domestic and foreign investments, and improve trade relations between Iran and neighboring
countries. Additional benefits include enhanced customs facilities, reduced fuel consumption, energy optimization, and
minimized environmental pollution. The study emphasizes the need for collaboration between policymakers, investors, and
local institutions to ensure the successful implementation of this project. Based on the findings, recommendations include
developing transportation infrastructure, attracting investment, creating special economic zones, improving workforce training,
and strengthening local participation. These actions could accelerate the dry port’s development, positioning Zahedan as a
regional logistics hub and contributing to the sustainable development of Sistan and Baluchestan. This research demonstrates
that dry ports not only alleviate congestion at seaports and improve supply chain efficiency but also foster economic, social,
and environmental progress in underdeveloped regions. The Zahedan dry port can enhance trade competitiveness, attract
investments, and benefit diverse sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, and services. Increased logistics efficiency can
further stimulate regional economic integration and promote greater cooperation among neighboring countries. Additionally,
this study offers a valuable framework for planners, local authorities, and transportation managers, providing insights into
the advantages and challenges of dry ports. The findings support future policies to maximize the benefits of dry ports in
national and regional economic planning. A well-functioning dry port in Zahedan will act as a catalyst for broader regional
development, creating new economic opportunities and contributing to long-term sustainable growth.

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