The Gül Train Revival 2025: How Turkey–Iran–Pakistan Rail Link Transforms Regional Trade

Discover how the Gül Train (ITI rail link) resurfaces in 2025, enhancing connectivity, trade routes, and supply chains across Pakistan, Iran & Turkey.

Introduction

In 2025, after years of planning and anticipation, the Gül Train—officially known as the Istanbul–Tehran–Islamabad (ITI) railway—is making a monumental return. This freight rail corridor, connecting Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey, stands poised to reshape regional connectivity, trade logistics, and supply chain dynamics across Asia and Europe.



1. A Brief History of the Gül Train

Origins (2009): Launched on August 14, 2009, this 6,500 km rail corridor was conceived under the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). It aimed to link Pakistan with Turkey through Iran, significantly reducing transit time compared to sea routes.

Hiatus: By 2011–2012, operations halted due to infrastructure gaps, especially on the Quetta–Taftan segment, and security concerns

Restart in 2021: On December 21, 2021, after nearly a decade, the ITI freight route was relaunched. The maiden run included goods like pink salt and rice, symbolizing renewed regional solidarity

2. Why the 2025 Revival Matters Now

  2.1 Successful Formalization in 2025

At the ECO’s 10th transport meeting in Istanbul, the Turkish Transport Minister confirmed full readiness to resume the ITI cargo link—now affectionately referred to as the Gül Train—highlighting renewed commitment among member countries

2.2 Tripartite Trade Leverage

With nearly 6,500 km of interlinked rail spanning Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey, this route positions itself as a faster, cost-efficient alternative to maritime trade ℹ rail cargo across Quetta, Tehran, and Istanbul—ideal for industries demanding speed and reliability

2.3 Emerging Global Context

Surging global supply chain disruptions make rail corridors like Gül especially vital. They offer resilience against maritime delays and sanctions—especially for landlocked economies or tension-sensitive international commerce.

3. Economic & Logistical Impact

3.1 Trade Efficiency & Volume Growth

Speed Advantage: The train completes its journey in ~15 days, compared to ~21 by sea, a boon for perishables and time-sensitive goods

Cost Savings: Overland transit reduces insurance and fuel costs; economies of scale await early logistics adopters.

3.2 Boosting Regional Supply Chains

Pakistan: Exporters of textiles, agro-commodities, and minerals can reach Europe more competitively.

Iran & Turkey: Can redirect trade to ports, circumvent sanctions, and access South Asian markets faster.

3.3 Infrastructure Upgrades & Technology Transfer

Meetings held in 2024–25 also covered technical collaboration—such as via Pakistan’s Locomotive Factory Risalpur and Rawalpindi Carriage Factory—to strengthen rail standards and manufacturing capabilities

4. Key Obstacles & Solutions

4.1 Gauge Compatibility & Transit Hubs

The rail gauge changes at Zahedan (Pakistan broad gauge → Iran standard gauge). Efficient transshipment via container terminals is vital to minimize delays

4.2 Infrastructure Gaps

Pakistan's Quetta–Taftan stretch remains weak—requiring major investment. The ML-1 upgrade and feasibility plans are vital to seamless Gül operations

4.3 Security Concerns

Past derailments and regional instabilities remain a risk. Continuous coordination among railway and security forces is essential.


5. What’s Ahead: From Freight to Passengers & Beyond

Passenger Service Plans: While Gül currently focuses on cargo, plans for passenger service would revolutionize mobility across the region

Economic Corridors: This link could integrate with China’s ML-1 (CPEC) and other corridors, forming a pan-Asian rail network.


6. FAQs (Add FAQ Structured Data)

Q1: What is the “Gül Train”?

The “Gül Train” refers to the revived freight railway linking Islamabad, Tehran, and Istanbul—officially called the ITI route.

Q2: When did the Gül Train originally start?

It began as a trial rail corridor in August 2009 under ECO but stalled by 2011–2012 due to various disruptions.

Q3: When did it resume operations?

The route relaunched in December 2021 and was formally recommitted to in 2025 by ECO member states.

Q4: How long is the route?

Approximately 6,500 km total—running ~1,990 km in Pakistan, ~2,603 km in Iran, and ~1,950 km in Turkey.

Q5: What does it mean for regional business?

It reduces transit time, lowers costs, and opens new export routes—especially for Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey.