Pakistan to launch first Freight Train to Russia in March 2025 aimed to boost regional connectivity.
Pakistan is preparing to launch trial operations for its first-ever international freight train service to Russia on March 15, 2025. This initiative aims to enhance regional trade connectivity by linking Pakistan with Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia. The project stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Pakistan and Russia in June 2024 during the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). The new railway link is expected to offer a more cost-effective and efficient trade route between South Asia and Central Asia.
The Pakistan Railway Freight Transportation Company (PRFTC), a subsidiary of Pakistan Railways, has engaged with the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) to secure cargo commitments for the trial run. In an official communication, PRFTC informed the FPCCI that the freight service would operate from Qasim International Container Terminal and Pakistan International Container Terminal. It will facilitate the transportation of 22-tonne (T.E.U) and 44-tonne (F.E.U) containerized shipments. The FPCCI has been urged to coordinate with stakeholders to ensure cargo availability and smooth execution of the trial.
According to officials familiar with the project, Pakistan’s Taftan station will serve as the primary entry point for goods along this new trade route. Most of the logistical and customs-related issues have been addressed, paving the way for seamless operations.
The freight train is expected to provide Pakistan with direct access to Russian oil, gas, steel, and industrial goods while also opening up Central Asian and Russian markets for Pakistani exports. Key exports will include textiles, food products, and agricultural commodities such as rice, wheat, and cotton. The service is anticipated to lower transportation costs, reduce transit time, and establish Pakistan as a crucial regional trade hub.
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