Pakistan will start a trial run of its first international freight train service to Russia on March 15, 2025.
This railway project is the result of an agreement signed with Russia in June 2024. The new train route will help boost trade by connecting Pakistan with Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia.
The train service will allow Pakistan to export goods such as textiles, agricultural products, and food items. In return, Pakistan will be able to import Russian oil, gas, steel, and industrial products more easily. This will make trade between the two countries faster and more efficient.
The Pakistan Railway Freight Transportation Company (PRFTC) is working with the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) to make sure there is enough cargo for the trial run. They are focusing on transporting goods in secure containers to ensure smooth operations.
This new train service is expected to reduce the cost of transporting goods, improve trade efficiency, and strengthen Pakistan’s role as an important trade center in the region.
By using rail transport instead of traditional shipping or trucking, businesses will save money and time. This project will also open new trade opportunities and strengthen economic ties between Pakistan and Russia, along with other regional partners.
If the trial run is successful, the freight train service could become a regular part of Pakistan’s trade network, bringing long-term benefits to the country’s economy and businesses.
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