ISLAMABAD: Russia and Pakistan are working to launch a freight railway service connecting Moscow with Karachi and Faisalabad, Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev has said.
In comments published by the Russian newspaper Izvestia on August 8, Khorev said the two countries were working together to launch the first freight railway routes along the Moscow-Faisalabad and Moscow-Karachi corridors in both directions.
He said the possibility of involving Belarus in the project was also being considered, potentially expanding the proposed route into a wider regional freight corridor.
According to the Russian envoy, the project has faced several delays due to the escalation of geopolitical tensions in the region during 2025 and early 2026.
However, he said work on the initiative was continuing and the parties were currently finalizing a contract for the provision of services.
The two sides are also identifying companies in countries along the proposed railway route that could be interested in transporting their goods through the corridor, Khorev said.
The proposed rail link is aimed at strengthening trade and transportation ties between Russia and Pakistan and could provide an alternative overland route for the movement of commercial goods.
The possible involvement of Belarus could further expand the corridor’s regional significance by linking additional markets and transport networks.
The initiative comes amid efforts by Pakistan and Russia to increase bilateral trade and improve connectivity through rail and other transportation links.
