The governments of Pakistan and Azerbaijan are preparing to launch two new freight train services in 2025—the Pakistan‑Azerbaijan Express and the Pakistan‑Iran‑Azerbaijan route—as part of a major initiative to boost regional trade and enhance economic connectivity.
These projects were discussed during high-level video conferences on July 19, 2025, led by Pakistan’s Minister of State for Railways and Finance, Bilal Azhar Kayani, and Deputy Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways, Arif Aghayev. The talks focused on increasing freight capacity, integrating port operations, and exploring joint infrastructure investments along the emerging Trans‑Caspian International Transport Route—better known as the Middle Corridor.
The planned routes are set to link Pakistan’s rail network with Azerbaijan both directly and via Iran, creating seamless cargo flows across a corridor that also includes China, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan. The project builds on an existing framework agreement between Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan—expected to unlock up to $292 billion in trade potential. Each country has committed $5 million for the feasibility study.
Modernization of domestic infrastructure is underway too. The 480 km Karachi-Rohri railway track, part of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) upgrade, is undergoing inspection and improvement to support the expanded freight traffic. This route will facilitate access to critical resource regions like Reko Diq and Thar coal fields, supporting export and energy logistics.
Public reaction on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), frames the initiative as a significant milestone in Pakistan’s rail diplomacy and regional economic integration.
These freight services mark a strategic and business-focused push toward enhancing Pakistan’s role in global transport networks via rail corridors.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 20th, 2025
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