Iran is considering building a magnetic levitation train line to transport pilgrims from Tehran to northeastern holy city of Mashhad.

Iran has made euro1.5 billion (US$2.03 billion) in start-up finances available for the study, which aims to establish the costs, as well as the technical and economic conditions required to complete construction of the roughly 800-kilometer (500-mile) rail line linking the Iranian capital Tehran with the northeastern city of Mashhad, said Harald Spaeth of the Schlegel engineering company on Tuesday.

"If is realized it will be the longest maglev track ever and a breakthrough for the technology," he said

"In about 18 months, we will know how we can complete the project,'' said Spaeth, adding that his office would be responsible for the construction if the route is to be built.

Funding for the train route would come from the Iranian government and private sectors. Germany would not be involved in funding, Spaeth said.

"Transporting pilgrims in Iran is certainly not the kind of project that could fall under the political boycott,'' Spaeth added.

Mashhad is Iran's second biggest city and main tourist attraction, where the shrine of Imam Reza (PBUH) is located.

HA/IS