Iran constructs 16,000 km of rural roads

Iranian Deputy Minister for Roads and Transport Mirshadi said that the
country is currently constructing 16,000 km of rural roads to villages
with a population of 50 or more families, Iran.ru reports.

Mirshafi said that the construction is being financed from provincial
budgets. The Ministry of Roads and Transport provided loans worth
about $600 million.

7,500 km of roads will be reconstructed by the end of 2011. 14,000 km
will be completed by mid-2012.

Miarshafi said that the 5-year plan for 2011-2015 involves
reconstruction of 35,000 km of roads.

Only 60% of Iranian roads have asphalt.