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The Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul freight train is expected to resume operations in early 2021 to boost Pakistan’s trade with Iran and Turkey.
The rail route, which is recognized by the UN as an international corridor linking the three countries, has so far only been used for conducting trial journeys. The railway line covers 6,500 kilometers between Pakistan and Turkey via Iran. It spreads about 2,600 kilometers in Iran, 1,950 kilometers in Turkey, and 1,990 kilometers in Pakistan.
The operation intends to boost economic cooperation among the three countries and with the other ECO member countries after it resumes. It has been described as “tremendously beneficial” to all three nations.
From Turkey, the corridor can link up with the European rail networks via Istanbul’s 76-km-long undersea Marmaray railroad tunnel. Other countries have also expressed their eagerness to join the project and further suggested expansion to Middle East and European markets.
