Russia and Pakistan are set to initiate their inaugural direct freight train service next year, aimed at enhancing bilateral trade, as announced by Pakistani Energy Minister Awais Leghari to TASS on Tuesday.

The trial operations for this rail connection, which will facilitate the transport of goods from Russia to Pakistan, are scheduled to commence in March 2025, according to the minister.

“By the end of March, we aim to have the first cargo train depart from Russia to Pakistan,” Leghari stated. “This is a key objective that we are committed to achieving,” he added.

This rail route will circumvent Afghanistan, following the eastern branch of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), traversing through Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. The INSTC is a comprehensive 7,200-kilometer transit network that integrates maritime, rail, and road routes for cargo movement between India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe.

Leghari initially disclosed the rail agreement plans in an interview with RT earlier this month. The new route is expected to significantly reduce transit times and costs for goods delivery, thereby enhancing trade volume between the two nations, as noted by Oleg Poleev, acting general director of Russian Railway Logistics, which is responsible for overseeing the trial runs.

Several experts have previously indicated that the North-South corridor has the potential to serve as a secure alternative to the Suez Canal, thereby safeguarding trade routes from geopolitical disruptions. Historically, transport infrastructure has concentrated on East-West connections; however, emerging routes are becoming increasingly significant due to the global market’s shift towards China, Southeast Asia, and the Persian Gulf.

The Pakistani minister also highlighted ongoing discussions between Moscow and Islamabad regarding the creation of a direct air link between the two nations.

“I believe we can finalize this very soon. There is a very strong desire on both sides,” he stated to TASS. “Our Russian partners and friends are very pleased about it, and so are we. This can happen soon.”

Both Islamabad and Moscow have consistently reaffirmed their dedication to enhancing cooperation, especially in trade. In January, Russia’s ambassador to Pakistan noted that “bilateral trade is showing positive dynamics.” The trade volume between the two countries is approximately $1 billion.