Business Desk 
Dec 31, 2025
An undated image of Green Line Express train attached with new imported coaches from China at a railway station. — APP
The Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul freight train, a major regional trade initiative, has been postponed due to the absence of required security clearance, railway officials confirmed.
The service was originally scheduled to begin on December 31, marking Pakistan’s return to a key Eurasian rail trade route.
Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul freight train
According to Pakistan Railways, the freight train was set to depart from Islamabad and travel via Sibi to Speezand Junction. From there, it would pass through Nushki and Dalbandin before entering Iran at Mirjawa.
The officials said that the Quetta Railway Division had completed all operational preparations, but the final security clearance was not given a day in advance of the train’s departure.
Railway officials also said the freight service will kick off once the required clearance is approved, and a revised launch date will be announced in due course. The delay happens despite logistical preparedness on the ground.
The Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul freight train is planned to cover almost 8,000 kilometres, linking Pakistan with Türkiye and beyond. Officials said the route would help reduce logistics delays and further ease the cargo movement to strengthen regional trade connectivity for Pakistan.
Under the plan, the train will cover over 2,000 km of path from Islamabad to the Taftan border with Iran and then move along the North–South Transport Corridor, a developing trade route connecting South Asia with Eurasia.
Due to the differences in rail gauges, cargo will be transloaded at Zahedan in Iran and then continue through Turkmenistan to reach Kazakhstan and then further on to Russia. The entire journey is expected to take between 20 to 25 days.
