Pakistan and Russia are set to begin a new chapter in trade and transport as both countries prepare to launch a direct freight train service in August 2025. This project is expected to improve business between the two nations and provide a faster, cheaper way to move goods. The freight train will travel over land, covering thousands of kilometers through Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan before reaching Russia. This service is a major step toward building stronger regional connections and opening up new markets for Pakistani exporters.
How Pakistan-Russia cargo train will reduce shipping time and cost
One of the biggest advantages of this new cargo train is that it will save a lot of time and money. Right now, most goods between Pakistan and Russia are shipped by sea, which can take more than 40 days. With this train service, the travel time will drop to just 20 to 25 days.
This means that Pakistani businesses will be able to send products to Russia much faster. It will also cost less because land transport is more affordable for heavy and bulk items. This gives Pakistan a great chance to increase exports and become more competitive in global trade.
Pakistan businesses to benefit from new cargo train to Russia
The new cargo train service between Pakistan and Russia is going to help Pakistani businesses in a big way. Many industries in Pakistan depend on exporting goods to other countries to earn income. This train project will open a faster and cheaper trade route for them. It is especially good news for people working in the textile, rice, fruit, and leather industries.
These are some of Pakistan’s most popular export items. People in Russia and the nearby Central Asian countries want these products, and the demand is growing. Before this, most goods from Pakistan were sent to Russia by ship. That route takes a long time sometimes more than a month.
Sea transport can be expensive for small companies. Because of this, many small businesses could not afford to send their goods to Russia. But now, with this land route through the freight train, it will become much easier. The train will take only 20 to 25 days to reach Russia. This will save both time and money.
Challenges and future plans for Pakistan–Russia rail transport service
Even though the new Pakistan Russia cargo train is a big success for both countries, there were many difficulties in starting this project. One major challenge was the difference in railway track sizes in different countries along the route. For example, in Iran, the railway tracks are not the same size as in Pakistan. Because of this, goods have to be moved from one train to another at the border, which takes time and effort.
The governments are now looking for better ways to manage this, so that the goods can be moved more smoothly and quickly.Another big problem is the banking system. Both Iran and Russia are under international sanctions. These sanctions make it hard for banks in Pakistan to send or receive payments from those countries. Many traders and transport companies worry that money transfers might not work properly or take too long.
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