Business Desk 
Sep 27, 2025
Pakistan and Russia are in the last stages of negotiations to introduce the first pilot freight train to Russia, which will carry 16 containers of rice in its inaugural shipment.
The Pakistan-Russia freight train project, launched under the 9th Intergovernmental Commission (IGC), aims to begin a direct overland trade route between Karachi Port and Moscow, passing through Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.
According to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), the rice containers were prepared for dispatch in June, but the departure was delayed due to the regional situation.
Currently, ongoing talks are focused on finalising a new date for the train’s departure.
The rail corridor will cover a distance of just over 7,000 kilometres, with the freight expected to reach Moscow in 20-25 days at a cost of approximately USD 5,600 per container.
It is worth noting that the service will not only provide a faster and more cost-effective alternative to sea transport but also open new markets for Pakistani agricultural exports.
Moreover, the pilot train marks a significant step towards starting a regular overland route to Russia and Central Asia, thereby strengthening Pakistan’s trade footprint in the region.
Notably, the new corridor is expected to reduce delivery times from the current 35 to 45 days by sea to just 20 to25 days by rail, along with cost-cutting measures, making Pakistani goods more competitive in both Russian and Central Asian markets.
