Russia and Pakistan to Establish First Direct Railway Line, Says Minister
The newly established rail link is anticipated to reduce travel time and enhance trade turnover between the nations. Read Full Article at RT.com
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The upcoming rail link is anticipated to reduce travel time and enhance trade turnover between Russia and Pakistan.
Next year, Russia and Pakistan will introduce their first direct freight train service, aimed at increasing mutual trade, according to Pakistani Energy Minister Awais Leghari in an interview with TASS on Tuesday.
Trial runs for the rail link are scheduled to commence in March 2025, with the intention to transport goods from Russia to Pakistan, as mentioned by the minister.
“By the end of March, we are planning the first train – the first cargo train to leave Russia for Pakistan,” Leghari stated. “We have kept this as a goal for us to actually implement,” he added.
The rail link will circumvent Afghanistan, following the eastern branch of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which traverses Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. This 7,200-kilometer multi-modal transit system integrates shipping, rail, and road routes for the movement of cargo between India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe.
Leghari unveiled the rail deal in an earlier interview with RTN this month. According to Oleg Poleev, acting general director of Russian Railway Logistics, the new route will greatly reduce both travel time and costs for transporting goods and will contribute to increasing trade turnover between the nations. His company has been designated to oversee the trial runs.
Experts have noted that the North-South corridor might emerge as a secure alternative to the Suez Canal, shielding trade flows from geopolitical uncertainties. Historically, transport infrastructure has concentrated on East-West connections, but new routes are becoming more significant due to shifting global markets toward China, Southeast Asia, and the Persian Gulf.
In addition, the Pakistani minister indicated ongoing discussions between Moscow and Islamabad about establishing a direct air connection between the two countries.
“I believe we can finalize this very soon. There is a very strong desire on both sides,” he remarked to TASS. “Our Russian partners and friends are very happy about it, and so are we. This can happen soon.”
Both Islamabad and Moscow have consistently shown their dedication to enhancing cooperation, particularly in trade. Russia’s ambassador to Pakistan has noted that “bilateral trade is showing positive dynamics.” Currently, trade turnover between the two nations is approximately $1 billion.
Mathilde Moreau for TROIB News
Next year, Russia and Pakistan will introduce their first direct freight train service, aimed at increasing mutual trade, according to Pakistani Energy Minister Awais Leghari in an interview with TASS on Tuesday.
Trial runs for the rail link are scheduled to commence in March 2025, with the intention to transport goods from Russia to Pakistan, as mentioned by the minister.
“By the end of March, we are planning the first train – the first cargo train to leave Russia for Pakistan,” Leghari stated. “We have kept this as a goal for us to actually implement,” he added.
The rail link will circumvent Afghanistan, following the eastern branch of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which traverses Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. This 7,200-kilometer multi-modal transit system integrates shipping, rail, and road routes for the movement of cargo between India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe.
Leghari unveiled the rail deal in an earlier interview with RTN this month. According to Oleg Poleev, acting general director of Russian Railway Logistics, the new route will greatly reduce both travel time and costs for transporting goods and will contribute to increasing trade turnover between the nations. His company has been designated to oversee the trial runs.
Experts have noted that the North-South corridor might emerge as a secure alternative to the Suez Canal, shielding trade flows from geopolitical uncertainties. Historically, transport infrastructure has concentrated on East-West connections, but new routes are becoming more significant due to shifting global markets toward China, Southeast Asia, and the Persian Gulf.
In addition, the Pakistani minister indicated ongoing discussions between Moscow and Islamabad about establishing a direct air connection between the two countries.
“I believe we can finalize this very soon. There is a very strong desire on both sides,” he remarked to TASS. “Our Russian partners and friends are very happy about it, and so are we. This can happen soon.”
Both Islamabad and Moscow have consistently shown their dedication to enhancing cooperation, particularly in trade. Russia’s ambassador to Pakistan has noted that “bilateral trade is showing positive dynamics.” Currently, trade turnover between the two nations is approximately $1 billion.
Mathilde Moreau for TROIB News
