The First Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul Freight Train Reaches Ankara

The first Islamabad-Istanbul freight train reached Ankara within the scope of the ITI Freight Train Project between Pakistan, Iran and Turkey. Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Adil Karaismailoglu attended the welcoming ceremony for the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) freight train. Representatives from Iran and Pakistan also attended the ceremony at the Historic Ankara Train Station.

Turkish support for exporters for the 250-billion-dollar target

After highlighting that Turkey broke a record with exports of 225 billion dollars in 2021, the minister also said that Turkey’s share in the world trade volume surpassed 1 percent for the first time in the history of the Turkish Republic. Karaismailoglu said, “We managed to increase our exports by 33 percent last year.”

Turkish minister pointed out that the rapidly developing commercial relations between Asia and Europe necessitate the development of transportation infrastructures in the region. Karaismailoglu said, “We have invested more than 1 trillion 145 billion Turkish liras in the country’s transportation and communication infrastructure in the last 19 years.”

“We are working hard to establish uninterrupted and high-quality transportation infrastructures between continents by creating international corridors. Thanks to hundreds of projects implemented, Turkey has become the key country of international railway corridors.”

The Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad freight train started its journey again

The first Islamabad-Istanbul freight train consisted of 8 wagons loaded with pink salt weighing 150 tonnes. The train departed from the capital of Pakistan on 21 December and arrived in Ankara after a 13-day journey. The first journey was made within the scope of Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul Freight Train Project. Countries are now aiming to shorten the journey period and start train services for passengers as well.

On the other hand, a second train loaded with 525 tons of soapstone set off from Pakistan to Turkey. According to official statements, preparations are underway for the third one. Trains transiting Iran will unload all their loads in Turkey. Pakistani officials also stated that preparations are underway for the transportation of various goods from Turkey to Pakistan.