This has been a popular pilgrim route, as well as trade route, for centuries, and with greater facilities on an improved road the traffic is certain to increase.
It is said that the alignment of the Russian road from Resht is to be made in view of a railway in the future.

The same will probably be done in the Hamadan extension, and it is believed that the German road will be similarly planned.

All this would mean that behind the concessions are further promises for the time when railway construction comes.
Looking into the dim distance, the eye of faith and hope may see the fulfilment of railway communication from India to Europe by a connection between the Quetta or Indus Valley line and Kermanshah.
This brings us to the agreement of 1890 between Persia and Russia to shut out railways till the end of the century.

This agreement, when made known, was regarded as proof of a somewhat barbarian policy on the part of Russia, unwilling or unable herself to assist in opening up Persia and improving the condition of the country.

But there is some reason for the idea that the Shah himself was ready to meet the Russian request, so as to keep back the railway which he feared would soon connect his capital with the Caucasus.