Pakistan Railways Steps Up with New Connections

Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi shared big news last week. Pakistan is set to enhance its rail links both domestically and internationally. These moves aim to cut costs for traders and speed up goods movement. And they come at a time when fuel prices pinch every business.

Restarting the ITI Freight Train

The Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul freight train will roll again by December 31. This 8,000 km route links Pakistan to Turkey through Iran. It was paused in 2019 due to regional tensions. Now, with trade deals in place, cargo like textiles and rice can flow faster to Europe.

Delays from conflicts held it back. But ministers from the three countries fixed the list of goods to ship. Expect one million tons of freight per year once it starts. That means shorter waits at borders and lower trucking bills.

Kazakhstan Link via Chaman

Kazakhstan finished work on its side of the rail to Chaman. Pakistan's border town sits ready. This new accord opens doors to Central Asia and Russia. Goods from dry fruits to machinery could cross without long detours.

From Chaman, trains head north through Afghanistan's edges. It builds on talks from earlier this year. A Pakistani team visited Kazakhstan in April to sort tech details. Full service might start in 2026, easing trade for exporters in Quetta.

Trilateral Rail Deal with Uzbekistan and Afghanistan

Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan signed a pact in July. The 760 km line runs from Termez in Uzbekistan to Mazar-i-Sharif, Kabul, Logar, and into Pakistan's Kurram district. It cuts cargo time from 35 days to just 3-5.

The group agreed on a joint study for costs, now up to $7 billion. Construction could begin next year. Targets: 20 million tons of freight yearly by 2030. This route links Central Asia's cotton fields to Pakistan's ports.

ADB Funds for Karachi-Rohri Upgrade

The Asian Development Bank steps in with $2 billion for the 500 km Karachi to Rohri track. Work starts in July 2026. It modernizes rails and bridges so diesel trains hit 160 km/h.

This fixes a key part of Main Line-1, stalled from Chinese delays. ADB teams checked the site in July. Faster speeds mean more daily runs. Businesses in Sindh get reliable hauls to the capital.

Nokundi-Rohri Boost for Minerals

Upgrades hit the 780 km Nokundi to Rohri stretch too. The Reko Diq mine, rich in copper and gold, has $390 million as a bridge loan. It handles one million tons a year, skipping 28,000 truck trips.

Balochistan's Chagai hills send ore to Karachi ports. Security adds patrols, but the line cuts road wear and dust. Bonds will be refinanced later, with government backing.

Why These Changes Help Everyday Folks

Trucks jam highways now. Rails carry bulk cheaper, PKR 2 per ton-km versus PKR 5 by road. Exporters save on delays. Jobs pop up in repair shops and stations.

And connectivity pulls in neighbors. Pakistan links Gwadar to Eurasia. Trade grows, prices drop for imports like oil. But watch for timelines; borders need smooth handoffs.

Abbasi calls it a fresh start for Pakistan Railways. Modern tracks mean fewer breakdowns. Freight jumps 50% by 2028. If you're shipping goods, these rails could trim your costs big time.

Check updates at local stations. The network is changing, one link at a time.For more updates, visit DrivePK.com