Pakistan, Russia sign freight rail contract

According to The Express Tribune, Pakistan Railways has signed a Freight Forwarding Contract with Russian Railways Logistics, known as RZD Logistics, a deal the government announced on Monday. The agreement sets up a framework for cooperation in international freight transport and multimodal logistics. The plan includes a pilot container freight train meant to link Pakistan, Russia and Central Asia.

The pilot train was supposed to start on schedule but could not because of a regional conflict. Both parties say they still back the project and continue to coordinate to start the train once the regional situation allows. The arrangement also covers an exchange of know-how on railway freight work, and it is expected to improve logistics efficiency.

Expanding international freight work is also expected to help modernise the railway and strengthen its finances. The plan would also link the country to regional and global trade corridors.