In 1892, the first Iranian railway line dedicated to passenger transportation began operating between Tehran and the ancient city of Rey, marking a significant moment in the country’s modernization. This short but influential railway stretched approximately 8 kilometers, linking Tehran Station—situated near the Khorasan Gate, in the area known today as Qiyam Square and Kowsar Park—to the station adjacent to the holy shrine of Hazrat Abdul Azim (AS) in Rey. For the people of Tehran, the railway quickly became a popular and practical means of travel, offering a faster and more comfortable route to the revered religious site.
For 64 years, this line served generations of passengers, becoming both a symbol of progress and a familiar part of urban life. However, by the mid-20th century, changing transportation needs and urban development plans rendered the old railway obsolete. In 1956, it was permanently dismantled, bringing an end to its long-standing presence.
A year earlier, Tehran Illustrated Magazine, in its Issue No. 639 dated December 1, 1955, had published an illustrated report capturing the railway’s final condition. This valuable documentation preserved images and descriptions of a pioneering transportation system that played a memorable role in Tehran’s history.
