The federal government has announced plans to restart the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul (ITI) freight train service from December 31, 2025, marking a major step in regional trade connectivity under the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) framework. Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said the relaunch is contingent on final trade and logistics agreements between Pakistan, Iran, and Turkiye.
The ITI freight train first launched to enhance regional trade among Pakistan, Iran, and Turkiye was last revived in December 2021, but operations were suspended eight months later due to administrative, financial, and infrastructure setbacks. Floods in Sindh and Balochistan in 2022 and the collapse of the Hirok Bridge also halted train operations by damaging critical rail links.
Speaking at a press conference at Pakistan Railways Headquarters, Minister Abbasi confirmed that talks on tradable goods and operational logistics are nearing completion, ensuring a smooth restart by year-end.
“We plan to restart the ITI train operations from December 31, subject to final trade arrangements what will be exported and imported between Turkiye and Pakistan,” Abbasi stated.
The minister added that the service’s resumption had been delayed earlier due to regional instability following the Israel Gaza conflict, but the situation now allows progress.
Expanding Rail Connectivity
Abbasi also revealed plans to extend Pakistan’s rail links into Central Asia, highlighting an upcoming Chaman–Kazakhstan agreement following the successful deal with Uzbekistan.
“Connecting Pakistan with Kazakhstan will open routes to Central Asia, Russia, and Europe through an expanded rail network,” he said.
He further announced that the Rohri–Karachi railway track rehabilitation project will begin in July next year with Asian Development Bank (ADB) funding, while the Rohri Peshawar section is being prepared for financing.
Modernization of Pakistan Railways
The minister shared that the Karachi Railway Station has been modernised and expanded, doubling the capacity of Lahore’s station. Several passenger trains, including the Shalimar Express (Nov 7), Awam Express, Allama Iqbal Express, and Rehman Baba Express, will also be relaunched soon.
Additionally, Pakistan Railways generated an extra Rs. 4.5 billion this year through outsourcing luggage vans and express cargo services, signaling improved operational efficiency.