Russia Weighs Rail Link to India via Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan

Russia is examining whether an overland railway corridor could eventually connect it to India, according to discussions taking place in Moscow. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin said it was necessary to study the possibility of creating a railway corridor toward the Indian Ocean as an alternative to sea routes that are considered vulnerable.

The corridor under discussion could pass through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan before reaching the Indian Ocean and possibly India. Officials have stressed that the idea remains at an early stage and is not yet a formal railway project.

Why Is Russia Looking Beyond Sea Routes?

A key driver behind the proposal is concern over maritime chokepoints, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, through which large volumes of oil and liquefied natural gas are shipped. Any disruption at this strait could affect global energy supplies, shipping costs and trade. Russia is said to be exploring an overland alternative to reduce its exposure to such risks.

What Route Is Being Considered?

The proposed path would run from Russia through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan before reaching India. The Central Asian and Iranian portion could link with Russia's existing Eurasian rail network, while the stretch through Afghanistan and Pakistan is expected to pose greater difficulties, including differences in railway systems that would need to be reconciled.

Potential Benefits for India and Russia

An overland link could give Russia another way to reach Indian markets while reducing reliance on maritime transport for some categories of goods. For India, it could offer a further option for diversifying trade routes with Russia and other Eurasian countries. The corridor is seen as potentially useful for cargo such as industrial goods and machinery, where predictable land transport can be preferable to longer sea journeys. Bulk goods, however, would likely continue to move mainly by sea, meaning any new railway would add to, rather than replace, existing maritime routes.

Challenges Facing the Proposal

Turning the idea into reality would involve several hurdles:

• Building the necessary tracks, terminals, border facilities, logistics centers and customs infrastructure
• Reaching agreements among the countries involved on transit rights, customs procedures, tariffs and security
• Addressing security concerns along the route through Afghanistan and Pakistan
• Ensuring the project makes economic sense

Part of a Wider Russian Strategy

The proposal fits into a broader Russian push to develop alternative international transport corridors at a time when countries are increasingly seeking routes that reduce dependence on single maritime chokepoints. Russia has already been expanding its interest in rail and multimodal transport links within the region.

Is Construction Actually Planned?

No formal railway project has been announced. The idea remains a proposal at this stage, and no timeline for implementation has been given.