Russia to India by train? New rail route could take travellers across Central Asia and Iran on an epic journey
Imagine the possibility of a train journey between Russia and India. What if we tell you it’s a dream that has a potential to turn into a reality soon? Exciting, right? In a recent update, Russia has shared a new proposal that has put that possibility on the map while Moscow explores a railway route towards the Indian Ocean and India that could reduce reliance on strategically important maritime routes. The proposal is still at an exploratory stage and is primarily focused on improving strategic connectivity rather than launching a direct passenger service.What do we know so far?The idea was shared by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin who proposed examining railway connectivity towards the Indian Ocean and India. It’s an idea which is partly driven by the need to reduce dependence on maritime chokepoints that can become vulnerable during geopolitical tensions or disruptions.The aim is to strengthen transport and trade links between Russia and India.Instead of depending completely on ships, a railway-based corridor could provide an additional land route for cargo moving between Russia, Central Asia, Iran and the Indian subcontinent.What could the route look like?
Train in Russia (Canva)
Though there is no officially finalised passenger route yet, existing transport corridors offer an indication of how a future overland connection could develop. One possible alignment could take travellers south from Russia through Kazakhstan or Turkmenistan, into Iran and eventually towards India.It all depends on transit countries and on infrastructure and political agreements. The idea also connects with the existing International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a major multimodal transport project linking India, Iran and Russia.Understanding International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)
Train tracks (Canva)
The INSTC was conceived as a roughly 7,200-kilometre network using a combination of rail, road and maritime links. It is designed to create a shorter trade connection between India and Russia compared with traditional sea routes around Europe.Parts of the eastern corridor already connect Russia with Iran through Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. This means the proposed railway vision would not necessarily begin from scratch. Instead, it could build upon transport infrastructure and corridors that already exist.Why the route is not ready for travellers yet
- Multiple visas and border formalities
- Different railway systems
- No unified passenger network yet
- Security and geopolitical concerns
- Freight comes first
Still a fascinating idea for travellers as the journey will take them through some of Eurasia’s most fascinating landscapesThe idea is still a fascinating one for travellers. If a continuous passenger railway were ever established, the journey could become one of the world’s most extraordinary long-distance train adventures. Travellers leaving Russia could find themselves moving through the immense landscapes of Central Asia before reaching Iran and eventually South Asia.A dramatic rail journey
Dramatic train journey (Canva)
A train journey would allow travellers to watch the geography transform before their eyes. They could see the landscape change from Russia’s plains to Central Asian steppes and deserts, followed by the mountains and historic landscapes of Iran before reaching the Indian subcontinent.Central Asia is dotted with historic cities that once served as important centres of commerce between East and West, while Iran has thousands of years of Persian history and cultural heritage.For India and Russia, improved rail connectivity could also potentially reduce transit times and strengthen trade links between the two countries.If the railway dream eventually becomes a passenger reality, the journey from Russia to India could be an overland expedition across Russia, Central Asia, Iran and the Indian subcontinent. But for now, the proposed Russia-India railway is better viewed as a developing connectivity corridor than a train journey tourists can book.Sources: News On AIR; Firstpost; International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC); Government of India / Ministry of External Affairs.
