Pakistan Railways Restores Islamabad,Tehran, Istanbul Route
Pakistan Railways, ITI train, Islamabad, Tehran, Istanbul, Hanif Abbasi, Pakistan Turkey route, Iran Pakistan trade, Central Asia Railway, Rohri Karachi upgrade, asian development bank, Shalimar Express, Pakistan Freight Train, Pakistan transport, Pakistan Economy, cargo train Pakistan, rail modernization, Pakistan export, trade connectivity, Pakistan Iran Turkey, eco railway corridor, drivepk auto news
Table of Contents
- The ITI Train Comes Back
- New Path to Central Asia
- Track Fixes and Passenger Wins
- Cargo Cash Flows In
- A Brighter Rail Future
Picture this: a train loaded with goods rolling from Pakistan straight to Turkey, skipping the slow sea haul. It cuts costs and time for traders. After three years on hold, that's set to happen again. The government just greenlit the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul freight service. It kicks off by December 31, 2025. This boosts ties with Iran and Turkiye. And it's only the start of bigger rail plans.
The ITI Train Comes Back
Federal Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi broke the news. The train stopped in 2022 due to floods and regional troubles. Now, with deals on cargo and logistics wrapped up, it's ready. The route spans about 8,000 kilometers. It links Lahore to Istanbul via Tehran. Sea routes take weeks. This train? Just days. Traders in textiles or fruits get a quick path to markets. It fits the Economic Cooperation Organization's push for better links.
New Path to Central Asia
Pakistan isn't stopping there. A deal with Kazakhstan is almost done. It builds on an Uzbekistan agreement. The rail line runs to Chaman on the border. From there, goods head to Central Asia, Russia, and even Europe. Imagine shipping minerals or grains without trucks jamming roads. This opens doors for exports. It turns border towns into busy hubs.
Track Fixes and Passenger Wins
Old tracks need work. The Rohri-to-Karachi line gets a full rehab starting July 2026. The Asian Development Bank backs it with up to $2 billion. This 500-kilometer stretch carries heavy cargo now. Upgrades mean faster, safer runs. And for riders, good news: the Shalimar Express restarts on November 7. It links Karachi to Lahore with fresh coaches and better seats.
Cargo Cash Flows In
These moves pay off already. Pakistan Railways pulled in Rs. 4.5 billion from cargo this year. That's from outsourcing vans and express services. Overall revenue hit Rs. 83 billion in 11 months, a record. Efficiency tweaks, like new wagons, help. By 2026, 160 more will join the fleet.
A Brighter Rail Future
All this ties together. Better tracks mean more trade. Quicker trains draw riders back. And revenue funds fixes. Pakistan's rail net gets modernized. It links people and goods across borders. For everyday folks, that means cheaper basics on shelves. For business, new doors open. Watch for updates on the Railways site. These steps build real growth, one track at a time. For more updates, DrivePK.com
Share this article
About the Author
Najeeb Khan
Automotive enthusiast and writer
Comments (0)
Login Required
You need to be logged in to comment on this article.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
Related Articles
Toyota Launches Sixth-Gen RAV4 in Japan: Styles, Hybrids, and Smart Features
Toyota launched the sixth-generation RAV4 in Japan on December 17, 2025, focusing on diversification, electrification, and intelligence. It offers Z, Adventure, and GR SPORT styles with HEV/PHEV powertrains, enhanced safety, and a practical design for everyday use.
Punjab Driving License Record: Over 2 Million Issued in 18 Days
Under the Punjab CM's orders, the province issued over 2 million driving licenses in 18 days, a national record. This includes 940,000 learners, 360,000 fresh regulars, and 700,000 renewals. Officials urge using online portals and e-licenses to cut accidents and avoid fines.
Pakistan Railways Revises Train Timings Amid Dense Fog: Updates and Tips
Heavy fog hits Pakistan Railways operations, leading to revised departure times for trains from Lahore and Faisalabad. Affected routes include those to Karachi and Quetta. Passengers are urged to check updates via inquiry. This ensures safety during poor visibility periods.