Pakistan to Launch First Freight Train to Russia, Boosting Regional Trade

Pakistan is set to launch its first-ever freight train service to Russia, a landmark step in strengthening regional trade connectivity.

Negotiations are in progress to finalize the departure schedule for the inaugural train, which will transport 16 containers of rice from Karachi Port to Moscow. Originally planned for June 2025, the pilot run was delayed due to regional tensions. A new date is expected to be confirmed soon.

The train will cover more than 7,000 kilometers, passing through Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan before reaching Russia. The initiative is part of the 9th Pakistan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) framework.

In May 2025, Pakistan Railways and Russian Railways (RZD) signed a formal agreement to operationalize the project, laying the foundation for enhanced overland trade.

Shipping goods to Russia by sea currently takes 35–45 days. The freight train will significantly reduce this duration to 20–25 days, at a transport cost of around $5,600 per container. This cost-effective and time-saving solution is expected to give Pakistani exports, especially rice, a competitive edge in Russian and Central Asian markets.

The pilot train marks an important step toward establishing regular freight services, providing exporters with a viable alternative to sea routes while opening access to new markets for agricultural products.