Pakistan is gearing up to launch its inaugural international freight train service to Russia on March 15, 2025. This significant move aims to bolster regional trade connectivity with Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia.
The initiative stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Pakistan and Russia in June 2024 during the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). This agreement sets the stage for an efficient and cost-effective rail trade link between South Asia and Central Asia.
The Pakistan Railway Freight Transportation Company (PRFTC), a subsidiary of Pakistan Railways, has approached the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) to secure containerized cargo commitments for the trial run.
In a communication to the FPCCI, PRFTC, which has been designated as the focal point for conducting cargo business related to this international freight train, indicated that the service would operate from Qasim International Container Terminal and Pakistan International Container Terminal. The terminals will offer container capacity options of 22 tons (T.E.U) and 44 tons (F.E.U).
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PRFTC has asked the FPCCI to coordinate with stakeholders and provide information on available containerized cargo for export to ensure the smooth implementation of the freight service.
Officials close to the project stated, “This rail link represents a significant advancement in regional trade infrastructure.” They also noted that the Taftan station in Pakistan would be the key entry point for goods moving along this international corridor and that issues related to the deployment of customs officials at the Taftan entry point are nearly resolved.
The new rail service is expected to transform trade dynamics in the region, facilitating the exchange of various commodities between Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia.
