Pakistan and Türkiye have agreed to significantly expand bilateral cooperation in the railway sector through investment, technology transfer, infrastructure modernization and enhanced regional connectivity, reaffirming their commitment to building a long-term strategic partnership.
Pakistan, Türkiye agree to expand strategic railway partnership, boost regional connectivity
Türkiye, Jul 31 (APP):Pakistan and Türkiye have agreed to significantly expand bilateral cooperation in the railway sector through investment, technology transfer, infrastructure modernization and enhanced regional connectivity, reaffirming their commitment to building a long-term strategic partnership.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Railways, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, and Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, where both sides held wide-ranging discussions on strengthening cooperation in the railway sector.
A major focus of the talks was the early revival of the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul (ITI) Freight Corridor, with both countries agreeing to transform it into a sustainable regional trade route linking South Asia, Central Asia and Europe.
The corridor was described as a strategic initiative with the potential to substantially boost regional trade, logistics and economic integration.
The Pakistani delegation also briefed the Turkish side on the modernization of the Main Line-3 (ML-3) railway from Rohri to Taftan, highlighting its strategic importance in enhancing rail connectivity with Iran and facilitating future freight movement through the ITI Corridor.
Progress on the Karachi–Rohri section of Main Line-1 (ML-1) was also shared, while Turkish companies were invited to explore investment opportunities in the remaining phases of the landmark railway project.
The meeting further discussed Türkiye’s potential participation in the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan Railway Corridor (UAPRC), recognizing it as a key initiative for promoting future regional connectivity and economic cooperation.
Pakistan Railways gave a comprehensive presentation on its ongoing digital transformation programme, outlining reforms in signalling systems, rolling stock modernization, operational efficiency and increased private-sector participation.
Both sides agreed to deepen collaboration in digital railway solutions, technology transfer, institutional capacity building, advanced railway management systems and operational excellence.
The two delegations also explored opportunities for joint investment and industrial cooperation at the Carriage Factory Islamabad, Pakistan Railways’ concrete sleeper factories and engineering workshops. Discussions focused on joint ventures, localization of railway manufacturing and technology transfer for the production of passenger coaches, freight wagons and other railway equipment.
During the meeting, both countries exchanged detailed presentations on railway development projects, investment opportunities and regional connectivity initiatives. They agreed to maintain close institutional engagement through technical consultations and working-level coordination to translate shared proposals into practical projects.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Abbasi said Pakistan Railways is keen to benefit from Türkiye’s expertise in railway modernization, advanced technologies and infrastructure development.
He said enhanced Pakistan–Türkiye cooperation in the railway sector would not only accelerate the modernization of Pakistan Railways but also promote regional economic growth, sustainable connectivity and a stronger long-term strategic partnership between the two brotherly nations.
