Business Desk 
Feb 20, 2025
Pakistan Railways is set to launch an international freight train service to Russia by March 15, aiming to strengthen trade ties with Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia.
Pakistan Railways Freight CEO Sufiyan Sarfaraz Dogar announced the initiative, urging businesses, especially textile exporters, to take advantage of the new containerised cargo service.
Freight train service to Russia
The freight train will run from Qasim International Container Terminal and Pakistan International Container Terminal with 22-ton and 44-ton container capacity.
Taftan station will be a major transit point, and customs problems already being resolved will facilitate hassle-free trade.
Notably, this service will enable Russian oil, gas, steel, and industrial products to be shipped to Pakistan, while Pakistani goods such as textiles, foodstuffs, and agricultural products (rice, wheat, and cotton) will find markets in Russia and Central Asia.
Moreover, this project is the result of a deal reached between Pakistan and Russia at the 27th Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum in June 2024.
However, the intention is to create an affordable trade corridor connecting South Asia with Central Asia and Russia.
All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) Chairman Kamran Arshad welcomed the initiative, saying it could increase Pakistan's textile exports, which are expected to reach $50 billion in five years.
He suggested automating freight handling, establishing dry ports along the way, and implementing a barter trade system with Russia, as in the case of Pakistan-Iran.
