Pakistan is preparing to launch its first-ever freight train to Russia, marking a major milestone in regional trade connectivity.
Negotiations are currently underway to finalize the departure schedule for the inaugural train, which will carry 16 containers of rice from Karachi Port to Moscow. This pilot run was initially scheduled for June 2025 but was delayed due to regional tensions. Talks are ongoing to set a new departure date.
Key Details
The train will travel over 7,000 kilometers, passing through Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan before reaching Russia. This new corridor falls under the framework of the 9th Pakistan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission (IGC).
In May 2025, Pakistan Railways and Russian Railways (RZD) signed a formal agreement to operationalize the project, laying the groundwork for future trade via land routes.
Why Is it Faster and Cheaper?
Currently, shipping goods to Russia by sea can take 35–45 days. The freight train is expected to cut that time to 20–25 days, with a transport cost of around $5,600 per container—making Pakistani exports more competitive in Russian and Central Asian markets.
The pilot train is seen as a major step toward regular overland freight services, offering a cost-effective and time-efficient alternative to sea shipping. It also opens new markets for Pakistani agricultural goods, particularly rice.
