Both Sides Agree to Promote Regional Connectivity, Investment and Railway Modernization
Ankara (MNN)
Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi held a high-level delegation meeting with Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu during his two-day official visit to Türkiye, where both sides discussed expanding long-term cooperation in the railway sector, including investment, technology transfer, modernization, and regional connectivity.
The two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership in rail transport through enhanced industrial collaboration, the exchange of modern railway technologies, and joint investment initiatives.
A key outcome of the meeting was the consensus to expedite the revival of the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul (ITI) Freight Corridor and develop it into a reliable, sustainable, and efficient trade route. Both sides described the corridor as a strategic link connecting South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, with significant potential to boost regional trade and economic integration.
Minister Hanif Abbasi briefed the Turkish delegation on the Main Line-3 (ML-3) project, particularly the proposed upgrade of the Rohri–Taftan section, noting that its completion would significantly enhance international freight movement and regional trade through Iran. He also shared updates on the ongoing progress of the Karachi–Rohri section of Main Line-1 (ML-1) and invited Turkish companies to participate in future investment and partnership opportunities.
The meeting also featured detailed discussions on Türkiye’s potential participation and technical cooperation in the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan Railway Corridor (UAPRC), which both sides recognized as a project of strategic importance for future regional connectivity.
Pakistan Railways presented an overview of its ongoing digital transformation initiatives, including modern signalling systems, rolling stock modernization, private-sector participation, and operational reforms. Both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in digital railway solutions, operational efficiency, technology transfer, capacity building, and institutional collaboration.
The two delegations also explored opportunities for joint investment and joint ventures in Pakistan Railways’ Carriage Factory Islamabad, concrete sleeper manufacturing plants, and engineering workshops. Discussions also focused on expanding local manufacturing capabilities with Turkish technology, including the production of passenger coaches, freight wagons, railway equipment, and related infrastructure.
Detailed presentations were delivered on railway development projects, investment opportunities, and regional connectivity initiatives. Both sides agreed to maintain regular institutional engagement and working-level coordination to translate the proposed areas of cooperation into practical projects.
Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said Pakistan would greatly benefit from Türkiye’s expertise, investment, and advanced railway technologies in the modernization of Pakistan Railways. He expressed confidence that enhanced railway cooperation between Pakistan and Türkiye would serve as a major milestone in promoting economic growth, regional connectivity, and sustainable development in both countries.