Pakistan is planning a passenger train service between Pakistan, Iran and Turkey.
The service will depend on the success of a freight train service between the three countries which is due to launch in mid-August 2009, reports Dawn.com.
The proposed 6,500km rail line will link Pakistan capital Islamabad to Turkish city Istanbul via Iran's capital Tehran. The line will extend to 1,900km in Pakistan, 2,570km in Iran and 2,036km in Turkey.
Pakistan has also placed an order with China for 200 railway coaches, of which 150 will be made in Pakistan.
The line is aimed at improving trade volumes between the countries, valued at around $15bn at present. It will also accommodate increasing passenger traffic.
The railways said Pakistan would prefer to adopt a 'build and manage' model for the line and will avoid financial involvement in the project.
