Pakistan, Türkiye Agree to Expand Railway Partnership, Revive ITI Freight Corridor

ANKARA, July 31: Pakistan and Türkiye have agreed to deepen long-term cooperation in the railway sector, with a renewed focus on joint investment, technology transfer, infrastructure modernization, and the early revival of the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul (ITI) freight train as a strategic regional trade corridor.

The understanding was reached during a high-level delegation meeting between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu on the second day of the Pakistani minister’s official visit to Türkiye.

Both sides agreed to restore the ITI freight train service at the earliest and develop it into a permanent commercial corridor linking South Asia, Central Asia, and Europe. The ministers described the project as a key initiative for strengthening regional connectivity, expanding trade, and enhancing cross-border logistics.

During the meeting, the Pakistani delegation briefed the Turkish side on the upgradation of the Rohri–Taftan Main Line-3 (ML-3), highlighting its importance in improving freight movement and regional trade through Iran. Progress on the Karachi–Rohri Main Line-1 (ML-1) project was also shared, while Turkish companies were invited to invest in the remaining phases of Pakistan Railways’ modernization programme.

Pakistan also encouraged Turkish public and private sector companies to participate in major railway infrastructure projects. The two sides discussed Türkiye’s possible technical and investment role in the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan Railway Corridor (UAPRC), which is expected to improve regional connectivity and facilitate international trade.

The meeting included detailed presentations on Pakistan Railways’ digital transformation programme, modern signalling systems, rolling stock modernization, and expanding private sector participation. Both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in digital railway technologies, technology transfer, operational modernization, and capacity building.

Opportunities for joint ventures and investment in Pakistan Railways’ carriage factory in Islamabad, concrete sleeper manufacturing plants, and engineering workshops were also explored. The two sides expressed interest in utilizing Turkish technology for the local production of railway equipment, passenger coaches, and freight wagons.

Pakistan and Türkiye further agreed to promote cooperation in railway manufacturing, industrial collaboration, outsourcing, and increased private sector participation to support the modernization of Pakistan’s rail network.

Speaking after the meeting, Federal Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said Pakistan is keen to benefit from Türkiye’s advanced technology, technical expertise, and investment to transform Pakistan Railways into a modern, efficient, and internationally competitive transport system.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to translating their strategic railway partnership into practical projects, joint investments, and long-term initiatives aimed at promoting regional economic integration and sustainable connectivity.