Historic as Pakistan-Russia freight train to launch in August 2025
ISLAMABAD – In a historic step toward strengthen regional trade connectivity, Pakistan and Russia are set to launch a cargo train service in August 2025.
Preparations for the freight train have entered their final phase, with the first train scheduled to depart from Lahore and travel through multiple countries en route to Russia.
The pilot freight train will consist of 16 wagons, and will pass through Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan before reaching its final destination in Russia.
The project is part of broader efforts to revive and strengthen transcontinental rail links under regional trade frameworks such as the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), to which Pakistan is a strategic partner.
The proposed railway corridor will serve as a vital link between South Asia and Eurasia, providing an alternative and cost-effective route for cargo movement.
Once operational, the freight service is expected to significantly reduce delivery times and costs, compared to traditional sea routes.
Trade experts have hailed the project as a game-changer for regional logistics, saying it will open new export markets for Pakistani goods and facilitate greater cooperation with Central Asian and European partners.
This pilot project will also test the feasibility and logistical readiness of the route, paving the way for regular cargo operations in the future.
The initiative comes amid growing interest in multi-modal trade networks that reduce dependency on congested maritime routes and foster overland trade across Asia and Europe.
