ISLAMABAD: Hanif Abbasi, the Federal Minister for Railways, has announced the commencement of an international freight train service from Lahore to Russia, scheduled for June 22, 2025.
This initiative is part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to enhance regional connectivity and expand trade with Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan.The new rail link aims to provide a cost-effective and efficient trade corridor connecting South Asia with Central Asia and Russia. Initially, the route will extend to the Iranian border, with plans to eventually reach Russia, facilitating the movement of goods such as oil, natural gas, steel, and industrial products. In return, Pakistani exporters will gain improved access to markets in Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia for textiles, food products, and agricultural goods like rice, wheat, and cotton.
The Pakistan Railway Freight Transportation Company (PRFTC), a subsidiary of Pakistan Railways, is overseeing this project. The freight service will operate from key terminals in Karachi, including the Qasim International Container Terminal and Pakistan International Container Terminal, offering container capacities of 22 tonnes (TEU) and 44 tonnes (FEU). Taftan station in Pakistan 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.
During a recent visit to the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) in Lahore, Minister Abbasi emphasized the significant potential for enhancing trade between Pakistan, Russia, and transit countries including Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan. He sought containerized cargo commitments from the business community, particularly from APTMA members, to ensure the success of the new service. APTMA Chairman Kamran Arshad highlighted the growing potential of Pakistan’s textile industry, which has set an ambitious export target of $50 billion over the next five years. He advocated for automating freight handling, establishing dry ports along the route, introducing a barter trade system with Russia akin to the Pakistan-Iran model, and enhancing banking channels.
The launch of this freight train service marks a significant step forward in regional trade infrastructure. By providing a direct rail link between Pakistan and Russia, the initiative is expected to revolutionize trade dynamics in the region, facilitating the exchange of various commodities and establishing Pakistan as a crucial regional trade hub.
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