The Middle Corridor’s Reality Check: Advancements and Challenges in Rail Infrastructure

The development of railway infrastructure in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan is crucial for maximising the potential of the Trans-Caspian International Trade Route (TITR) or Middle Corridor, a vital link connecting Europe and Asia. The Caspian Sea ports, which serve as critical transit hubs, rely heavily on the efficiency and modernisation of rail networks in these countries to enable a smoother and more efficient transit of goods across the region and beyond. Railways offer the most effective means of linking these landlocked nations to ports and markets beyond their borders. However, the conditions of their railroad networks highlight significant development disparities.

With its expansive rail system and ambitious modernisation plans, Kazakhstan has been striving to become a central transit hub for trade between Europe and Asia. Nevertheless, it faces persistent challenges in upgrading its ageing infrastructure. Turkmenistan, despite its equally strategic location, grapples with similar obstacles. Following a decade of railroad investment decline, Azerbaijan is now prioritising infrastructural improvements in its rail network. Efforts to modernise the rail system align with Azerbaijan’s broader goal to strengthen regional connectivity. Additionally, external geopolitical and economic factors, including the search for alternative trade routes, have intensified the urgency for Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan to accelerate infrastructure development.

Amid these challenges, Central Asia and the South Caucasus have been attracting growing attention from international actors who are increasingly interested in investing in connectivity development and improvements in the Greater Caspian region. This renewed focus is exemplified by initiatives like the EU’s Global Gateway, which seeks to strengthen transport links and support broader efforts at regional integration and economic growth.

Author: Roza Omarova, EIAS Junior Researcher

Photo credits: Pixabay