Pakistan’s Minister of Railways Hanif Abbasi announced that the long-awaited Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul (ITI) freight train—operated under the framework of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO)—will officially resume operations on December 31, 2025.

Speaking on Tuesday during a meeting at the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Abbasi highlighted Pakistan’s growing interest in enhancing regional connectivity with the Islamic Republic of Iran and strengthening economic ties across the region.

Abbasi said the government aims to revive the ITI freight corridor as part of broader efforts to improve cross-border trade logistics. “Pakistan Railways intends to enable rail transport by the end of the current year,” he noted, urging the business community to seize the economic opportunities offered by the restored rail link.

The minister emphasized that the resumption of the container train service is a key component of Pakistan’s regional trade strategy. “Using this connection is highly important for Pakistan’s regional trade,” Abbasi stressed.

The Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul route, often referred to as the ECO freight train, is considered one of the most significant regional transport corridors, facilitating trade between South Asia, Central Asia, and Europe.

The revived service is expected to boost commercial activity, reduce transportation costs, and strengthen Pakistan’s economic integration with Iran and Türkiye. (ILKHA)