ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and Russia have announced the launch of direct railway services starting June 22, in what officials described as a step toward enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries.
The announcement was made by Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi during a press conference at the Divisional Superintendent’s office. He said that in addition to initiating rail links, Russia is also exploring investment opportunities in Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM), signaling renewed Russian economic engagement in Pakistan.
Abbasi added that around 200 railway carriages are under development and are expected to be fully prepared for regular service by 2027. The minister also reiterated his ministry’s ongoing focus on three key service areas: punctuality, quality food provision, and cleanliness at stations and on trains.
In parallel with these operational efforts, the Ministry of Railways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) to advance digital infrastructure within the railway system. This includes planned implementation of free WiFi services on trains and the broader introduction of digital management tools.
As part of environmental initiatives, Abbasi said that an agreement had been reached with the Forest Department to plant fruit trees along railway tracks. He said these efforts aligned with the federal government’s sustainability agenda and broader digitalisation goals under the prime minister’s directives.
