Pakistan Railways to start freight trains to Russia, boosting trade with Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia.
Pakistan Railways will launch its first freight train service to Russia by March 15, strengthening trade with Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia. Announced by Freight CEO Sufiyan Sarfaraz Dogar, the service encourages containerised cargo shipments, especially from the textile sector.
The train will operate from Qasim and Pakistan International Container Terminals, offering 22-ton and 44-ton container capacity. Taftan station will serve as a key transit point, with customs issues largely resolved for smoother trade.
This initiative will facilitate the export of oil, natural gas, and steel from Russia while improving Pakistani exporters’ access to key markets for textiles, food, and agricultural products.
The project follows a Pakistan-Russia MoU signed at the 27th Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum in June 2024, aiming to develop a cost-effective trade corridor between South Asia and Central Asia.
APTMA Chairman emphasised the textile industry’s $50 billion export target over five years, advocating for automated freight handling, dry ports, a barter trade system with Russia, and enhanced banking channels. The new freight train is expected to cut costs, improve logistics, and boost regional trade.
Source: Maritime Gateway
