ECO freight train to resume operations after nine years.

Byline: Khalid Hasnain

LAHORE -- After a gap of nine years or so, the Istanbul-Islamabad freight train is likely to resume operations on March 4, connecting goods train business of three countries -Turkey, Iran and Pakistan.

'We have been informed by the quarters concerned that the container train would start its journey from Istanbul (Turkey) for Islamabad (Pakistan) via Zahidan on March 4. Though the schedule will be reconfirmed in a day or two, so far March 4 is the final date of departure of the train from Istanbul,' said a senior official of the Pakistan Railways while speaking to Dawn on Sunday.

'In Pakistan, ministries of foreign affairs and railways are coordinating with the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) Secretariat that is also in contact with the respective departments/ministries of Turkey and Iran,' he added.

Since the train will complete the one-side trip in 12 days, it is expected to reach the Islamabad dryport on March 16. 'Pakistan Railways also plans to resume this train operation from 19th, as it is currently booking cargo for Iran and Turkey,' the official added.

Minister for Railways Azam Khan Swati told Dawn that he would receive the train on March 16.

According to Pakistan Railways record, the first train from Islamabad to Istanbul was inaugurated on August 14, 2009. Similarly, the first train from Istanbul to Islamabad dryport reached on August 13, 2010.

So far eight trains have been dispatched...