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Signs of Subsidence Observed on the Tehran-Mashhad Railway; A Ministry Official: It's Very Dangerous

Feb 5, 2026 February 5, 2026 2 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

Signs of dangerous land subsidence have been reported along the Tehran-Mashhad railway, with officials warning of potential collapses. Over 35% of Iran's population is at risk due to widespread subsidence, exacerbated by mismanagement of water resources. This situation poses significant threats to infrastructure and historical sites.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: Iran faces a critical subsidence crisis that endangers infrastructure and public safety, necessitating urgent action.

👥 Key Players

Ali Bit'Allahi MENTIONED
Official at the Ministry of Roads
"His warnings about subsidence highlight the risks to critical infrastructure in Iran."
National Cartographic Center of Iran MENTIONED
Government agency
"They are responsible for identifying subsidence-prone areas, which is crucial for urban planning and safety."
Ministry of Energy MENTIONED
Government agency
"They oversee water resource management, which is a key factor in the subsidence crisis."

📰 What Happened

Signs of dangerous land subsidence have been reported along the Tehran-Mashhad railway, raising alarms about potential collapses. The situation is exacerbated by groundwater mismanagement, affecting over 35% of Iran's population.

  • Subsidence rates exceed 20% in several provinces and average over 10% nationwide.
  • 245 subsidence-prone areas have been identified, with 30% experiencing high rates of subsidence.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: The subsidence crisis threatens infrastructure, historical sites, and the safety of urban populations, highlighting issues of governance and resource management.
🌍 Regional: If infrastructure collapses, it could lead to economic disruptions and increased migration, affecting regional stability.
🌐 International: Internationally, this situation may draw attention to Iran's environmental policies and governance challenges, impacting foreign relations.

📚 Background

Iran is experiencing severe land subsidence primarily due to groundwater mismanagement and urban development practices. This phenomenon poses risks to both modern infrastructure and historical sites.

Water resource management in Iran Impact of climate change on urban infrastructure
📡 Source: STATE MEDIA
📊 Confidence: 70%
The information comes from official sources, which may emphasize government perspectives and downplay criticism.

A member of the faculty at the Road, Housing and Urban Development Research Center reported observing signs of subsidence on the Tehran-Mashhad railway, stating that in the section near Varamin and Nishapur, the signs of subsidence are 'very dangerous.' Ali Bit'Allahi mentioned that considering the emergence of cracks and numerous holes, there is a possibility that this railway route could experience collapses. He also reported subsidence at Mehrabad Airport, noting that while its effects are not visible, if the current trend of declining groundwater continues, problems may arise in the coming years. According to this scientific official at the Ministry of Roads, in several provinces, the rate of subsidence exceeds 20%, and the average rate of subsidence in Iran is over 10%. The newspaper 'Jahan San'at' reported yesterday, December 5, that 'several major urban population centers are located on subsidence zones, and various infrastructures are at risk.' The Research Center of the Parliament has stated that 'over 35% of the country's population is at risk of land subsidence.' The situation of subsidence in Iran has entered a dangerous phase, and reports indicate a significant increase in areas affected by this phenomenon. Accordingly, the National Cartographic Center of Iran has identified 245 subsidence-prone areas, 30% of which have a high rate of subsidence. Meanwhile, it has been reported that 14 metropolitan areas are affected by subsidence. According to the Ministry of Energy, 70% of the country's plains are in crisis due to mismanagement of water resources. The construction of numerous dams without considering environmental consequences and excessive extraction from groundwater resources have been identified as major factors contributing to subsidence in Iran. Severe subsidence risk in schools in Isfahan; report by Masoud Malek. The risk of subsidence and the destruction of historical buildings several hundred years old and the ecological environment of Iran. With municipal permission, construction is possible in plains with subsidence. 15,000 'earthquakes' recorded in the country in eight months. Twenty percent of schools in Iran are dilapidated. The subsidence crisis in Iran; cracks in 'Naghsh-e-Rostam'; danger near Persepolis.

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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