Apart from logistical difficulty and cost, for any option to extend the rail link to India, New Delhi would have to deal with the fact that it would pass through Pakistan NEW DELHI: Russian deputy PM Marat Khusnullin has suggested exploring a direct rail link from Moscow to the ‘Indian Ocean’ to avert risks associated with the Bosphorus and the Strait of Hormuz, amid ongoing conflicts, including in West Asia, that have stalled the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Bosphorus is a narrow, natural strait in Turkey that connects Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara.“A rail link to the Indian Ocean should also be explored. Risks related to the Bosphorus and the Strait of Hormuz might require alternative routes: through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Any options providing access to India are acceptable,” he told Russian news agency TASS.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesExperts said constructing a rail link spanning two continents and four countries would be a gigantic challenge. Apart from logistical difficulty and cost, for any option to extend the rail link to India, New Delhi would have to deal with the fact that it would pass through Pakistan, and a lot would depend on obtaining an iron-clad guarantee for securing cooperation and commitment of the hostile neighbour to protect the railway and cargo.The statement does not provide a detailed construction plan, cost estimate or timeline. However, if such a corridor is eventually developed, it could create a direct overland rail freight route linking Russia with India while offering an alternative to traditional maritime shipping routes.Among railway corridors linking multiple nations, Yiwu-Madrid is the longest freight train line in the world — spanning a little over 13,000 km, it connects China’s Yiwu to Spain’s Madrid, traversing eight countries.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosJNU Cancels Venue For Umar Khalid Book Event: JNUSU Alleges Censorship, ABVP Claims CreditJharkhand Govt To Cancel JPSC Exams, But Rejects CGL Demand; Students Insist On CBI ProbeWATCH: Mamata Banerjee’s Car Hit By ‘Large Stones, Shoes’; Bengal BJP Chief Condemns Attack‘Shivling Beneath Darul Uloom Deoband’: Hindu Outfit Plans Ganga Water Offering At Islamic SeminaryBaramati Airfield Runway Excursion: Training Aircraft Veers Off Runway, No Injuries ReportedIN-SPACe Moves To Privatise Operations Of Rs 986-Crore Kulasekarapattinam SpaceportAir India Phuket-Delhi Flight Captain Reportedly Fails Dope Test After Turbulence IncidentSavarkar Quiz Question Sparks Political Row In Kerala; Education Department Orders InquiryWATCH: Uttarakhand Innovator’s Electric Flying Vehicle Takes Maiden Test FlightUPI To Remain Free For Users, But Some Merchants May Face Nominal Fees In Future: Govt123PhotostoriesOptical illusion personality test: What you see first in the image reveals what you are currently seeking in lifeWeekly Tarot Horoscope From August 9 to August 15, 2026 For Your Birth DateInside Kiku Sharda’s luxurious Mumbai home: Spacious balcony, elegant living room, and moreForget momo: Try these traditional steamed regional delicacies from Indian statesWant your child to actually tell you about school? Try these 5 simple parenting shiftsVitamin C from food vs supplements: Which gives you more and when taking extra may not help10 Indian states ranked highest for civic sense and responsible public behaviour; check if your state made it to the listHiccups that keep coming back? Doctor explains when they could signal a neurological problem5 foods packed with magnesium that can help support muscles, nerves and heart healthWhy you should add salt, not oil to pasta water: 6 common mistakes to avoid with pasta123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingNashik EarthquakeUddhav ThackerayRaja RaghuvanshiBJP MLA Fake MarriagesDevendra FadnavisSiddhivinayak Temple donation theftDelhi Wife MurderAbhijeet DipkeTarun TejpalPraveen Nettaru Murder Case
NEW DELHI: Russian deputy PM Marat Khusnullin has suggested exploring a direct rail link from Moscow to the ‘Indian Ocean’ to avert risks associated with the Bosphorus and the Strait of Hormuz, amid ongoing conflicts, including in West Asia, that have stalled the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Bosphorus is a narrow, natural strait in Turkey that connects Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara.“A rail link to the Indian Ocean should also be explored. Risks related to the Bosphorus and the Strait of Hormuz might require alternative routes: through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Any options providing access to India are acceptable,” he told Russian news agency TASS.
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Experts said constructing a rail link spanning two continents and four countries would be a gigantic challenge. Apart from logistical difficulty and cost, for any option to extend the rail link to India, New Delhi would have to deal with the fact that it would pass through Pakistan, and a lot would depend on obtaining an iron-clad guarantee for securing cooperation and commitment of the hostile neighbour to protect the railway and cargo.The statement does not provide a detailed construction plan, cost estimate or timeline. However, if such a corridor is eventually developed, it could create a direct overland rail freight route linking Russia with India while offering an alternative to traditional maritime shipping routes.Among railway corridors linking multiple nations, Yiwu-Madrid is the longest freight train line in the world — spanning a little over 13,000 km, it connects China’s Yiwu to Spain’s Madrid, traversing eight countries.
