LAHORE: Pakistan is preparing for a historic leap in regional connectivity as negotiations progress to finalize the schedule for the country’s first-ever pilot freight train to Russia.
The inaugural service is expected to carry 16 containers of rice, marking a significant step in diversifying Pakistan’s trade routes.
The initiative falls under the framework of the 9th Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) and is designed to link Karachi Port with Moscow through Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan. A landmark agreement signed in May 2025 between Pakistan Railways and Russian Railways (RZD) laid the foundation for this ambitious venture.
Although the rice containers had been prepared for dispatch in June, geopolitical developments and logistical hurdles delayed the departure. Current discussions aim to lock in a new launch date, with officials confident that the pilot train will soon set off.
The proposed rail corridor, spanning more than 7,000 kilometers, is expected to deliver cargo to Moscow within 20–25 days at an estimated cost of USD 5,600 per container. This overland option would slash shipping time compared to sea routes, which typically require 35–45 days.
Experts believe the project could transform Pakistan’s trade landscape by offering exporters a more efficient route to Russia, while also strengthening ties with Central Asian economies. By reducing costs and delivery times, the corridor is set to make Pakistani rice and other agricultural goods more competitive in the Russian market.
Officials view the pilot train not only as a commercial venture but also as a diplomatic milestone, deepening economic cooperation between Pakistan and Russia.
