The present study aims to examine and explain the role of rail transport in Iran’s economic development from the customers' perspective. This research was conducted using a survey method, employing a questionnaire distributed among 384 rail transport customers. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by five experts, and its reliability was assessed through Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, with values exceeding 0.7 for all variables, indicating satisfactory reliability of the measurement tool. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. The results revealed that rail transport has a significant impact on attracting global business opportunities, economic competitiveness, traffic congestion reduction, and road maintenance. Additionally, this study examined the relationship between rail infrastructure development and its impact on economic productivity. The findings indicated that increased investment in the rail transport sector can enhance transportation efficiency and improve Iran's trade conditions. One of the most critical outcomes of this study was identifying the challenges hindering the expansion of the rail system, including high development costs and a lack of attractiveness for private investors. This research can assist policymakers in developing appropriate strategies to improve rail transport. The findings align with international studies in this field, emphasizing the importance of this sector in sustainable economic development. It is recommended that precise planning be undertaken to expand rail networks and enhance service quality in this domain
