Pakistan will launch first freight train from Lahore to Russia on June 22. This marks a bold step to boost trade and regional links.
Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi confirmed the service. He said it supports Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s aim to connect Pakistan with Central Asia. The new line also forms part of a broader plan to modernize Pakistan Railways and raise logistics revenue.
“This isn’t just a train route—it’s a growing trade corridor,” said Abbasi.
The train will run along the Eastern Branch of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). This route offers fast delivery—14 to 19 days—between Pakistan and southern Russia. It connects via Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.
A top railway official shared details of the route. The train will cover 2,001 kilometers from Lahore to the Taftan border in Balochistan. From there, the cargo will move to another train at Zahedan in Iran, due to a change in rail gauge. It will then pass through Sarakhs on the Iran-Turkmenistan border. After that, it enters Kazakhstan via the Bolashak-Aktau corridor and moves through Atyrau before reaching Astrakhan in southern Russia.
The total journey spans around 8,000 kilometers. It is expected to take 20 to 25 days, including wait times at transfer points.
Boosting Trade, Cutting Costs, and Connecting Regions
Trade Efficiency and Logistics Gains
This new corridor will cut delivery time between Pakistan and Uzbekistan from 35 days to just five. Shipping costs could drop by 40%. Once fully active, the line may handle up to 20 million tons of freight per year.
Building Stronger Regional Ties
Pakistan will launch first freight train from Lahore to Russia: The route supports Pakistan’s plan to link with Central Asia. It also fits with projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and Belt and Road Initiative. These links aim to create a stronger network across South and Central Asia.
Timeline and Global Support
Construction of the full freight corridor will begin in 2025 and finish by the end of 2027. Pakistan has support from global partners like Qatar and the UAE, who are offering both funding and technical help.
The government sees this project as a game-changer for trade. Pakistan has promised Central Asian nations access to its ports to support regional exports. The Trans-Afghan Railway is more than a train line—it’s a leap toward deeper trade, faster growth, and lasting ties in the region.
