Pakistan confirms resumption of Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul freight train operations

Pakistan’s Minister of Railways has confirmed that the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) freight train will resume operations from Pakistan’s capital on December 31, 2025.

Hanif Abbasi stated on December 2, while addressing members of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, that Pakistan is keen to enhance regional connectivity with the Islamic Republic of Iran, Caliber.Az reports, citing Mehr.

He emphasised that Pakistan Railways aims to enable rail transport by the end of this year and urged the business community to capitalise on the new trade opportunities this route offers.

The Minister further noted that the plan to revive the  ITI container train will be launched starting December 31, highlighting that leveraging this corridor is crucial for strengthening Pakistan’s regional trade.

The Istanbul–Tehran–Islamabad railway (ITI) is an international freight corridor linking Pakistan, Iran and Türkiye, covering about 6,560 km and aiming to connect South Asia with West Asia and Europe by rail.

The first freight runs on ITI began in 2009–2010, but operations were suspended around 2011 due to logistical and operational challenges.

The route was relaunched in December 2021, with the initial freight trains travelling from Pakistan’s capital through Iran and onward to Istanbul — promising transit in about two weeks, significantly faster than sea routes.

Despite the relaunch, regular operations proved difficult: after a few runs in early 2022, the service was suspended again due to infrastructure, customs, logistics and financial obstacles.

By Jeyhun Aghazada