Pakistan will inaugurate its first freight train service to Russia from Lahore, on June 22, marking a significant step in regional connectivity and international trade expansion.
Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said the new freight service is part of a broader initiative to modernize Pakistan Railways and boost revenue through expanded logistics operations.
He said the project reflects Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision to connect Pakistan’s rail network with Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, as part of broader regional integration efforts.
“We are building not just a railway, but an economic corridor,” he added.
The route will utilize the Eastern Branch of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which offers the fastest transit option — between 14 and 19 days — connecting Pakistan with Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and eventually into southern Russia.
According to a senior Pakistan Railways official, the freight train will depart from Lahore and cover a 2,001-kilometer route within Pakistan to reach the Taftan border crossing with Iran.
From there, cargo will be transferred to another train at Zahedan in southeastern Iran due to a change in rail gauge. The journey will then continue through Sarakhs at the Iran-Turkmenistan border, enter Kazakhstan via the Bolashak-Aktau corridor, and proceed through Atyrau in western Kazakhstan before reaching its final destination in Astrakhan, a key logistics hub in southern Russia.
The entire route spans approximately 8,000 kilometers, with an expected transit time of 20-25 days, including buffer periods.
Trans-Afghan Railway to Connect Pakistan with Central Asia to Start Soon
Trans-Afghan Railway, a 573-kilometer rail connection linking Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. This project is intended to reinforce local connectivity, ease exchange, and enhance economic integration among Central and South Asia.
The Trans-Afghan Railway is a trilateral project related to Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The route will stretch from Termez in Uzbekistan through Mazar-i-Sharif and Kabul in Afghanistan, concluding at the Kharlachi border crossing in Pakistan’s Kurram district. An 80-kilometer segment will be constructed to allow access to Pakistani and Iranian ports through Afghanistan.
The projected cost of the endeavor falls between $4.6 billion and $8.2 billion, with versions attributable to differing evaluations via the taking part nations. Notably, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are offering help through financial assistance and technical resources, signifying a much broader global interest in the project’s fulfillment.
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Economic and Strategic Significance
• Trade efficiency: The railway is predicted to reduce cargo delivery times between Uzbekistan and Pakistan from 35 days to around five days and reduce transportation costs by at least 40%.
• Cargo capacity: Once finished, the railway might be capable of transporting up to 20 million tons of shipment yearly, significantly increasing exchange volumes.
• Regional Integration: The initiative is predicted to improve economic relationships among relevant South Asian countries, integrating with broader techniques like China’s Belt and Road Initiative and enhancing connectivity with the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Construction schedule
Construction is predicted to start in 2025, with a projected finish through the end of 2027. The challenge has garnered assistance from international partners, including Qatar and the UAE, which are presenting financial and technical support.
Pakistan has shown strong support for the project, perceiving it as a “game changer” for regional commerce. The nation has pledged to resource the challenge’s advancement, such as granting access to its ports for Central Asian trade. The Trans-Afghan Railway symbolizes a transformative bounce in the direction of improved regional collaboration, economic boom, and connectivity among central and South Asia.