LAHORE (Tassawar News) Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi announced that the long-awaited Tehran–Istanbul train service will officially resume operations on December 31, 2025. The initiative marks a new era in Pakistan’s regional connectivity efforts, aiming to strengthen trade and travel links between Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Railway Headquarters in Lahore, Abbasi stated that Pakistan Railways is undergoing major modernization to provide passengers with enhanced comfort, better sanitation, digital services, and internet facilities at stations.
The minister confirmed that the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul route is being restored under Pakistan’s regional transport vision, while a 400-kilometer new track is being laid as part of the Reko Diq logistics corridor. The overall track length currently stands at 884 kilometers, with improvement projects between Rohri and Karachi under negotiation with the Asian Development Bank — a $2 billion project expected to be completed by July 2026.
Abbasi revealed that Pakistan Railways has already earned over Rs 3.5 billion through its Cargo Express Service, with 160 new wagons being manufactured locally by March 2026. Expansion and modernization plans include renovating 10 running rooms, repairing employee quarters, and upgrading Sukkur and Rohri stations at a cost of Rs 800 million.
In addition, 1,500 railway police personnel have been recruited transparently, while 180 security cameras are being installed at Rawalpindi station to improve passenger safety and prevent corruption, theft, and misuse of assets.
The minister also acknowledged that Pakistan Railways operates on a modest Rs 17 billion annual budget, compared to India’s Rs 700 billion, yet emphasized the government’s commitment to making the national railway self-sustaining through innovation and efficient management.
Broader Impact and Outlook
The resumption of the Tehran–Istanbul service is expected to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange across the ECO region. Analysts view the project as a step toward reviving regional transport corridors that could connect South Asia with Europe through rail.
With improved infrastructure, digitalization, and new routes, Pakistan Railways aims to reclaim its role as an economic backbone, facilitating logistics, exports, and regional integration under a transparent and growth-oriented framework.
