WNAM MONITORING: In recent years, against the backdrop of geopolitical challenges, Kazakhstan has been placing special importance on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor. For this country located in the center of the Eurasian continent, having alternative transport routes to export goods to global markets is crucial for national security.
Alibi Tulegenov, Deputy Director of the Integrated Planning Directorate at Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (Railways) JSC, discussed the current developments and prospects of TITR in an interview.
Here is the interview:
– How were the results of cargo transportation via TITR last year?
– The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) is a key focus for the leaders of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. Both nations are committed to enhancing their transit potential and expanding trade relations. This cooperation holds significant promise for both bilateral and international trade.
In 2024, the Middle Corridor saw the transportation of 3.3 million tons of cargo, a 21% increase from 2023. This growth was largely driven by the expansion of Kazakhstan’s exports, which also rose by 21%. Currently, the railway segment of the Trans-Caspian route has a capacity of 6 million tons per year. However, there are plans to increase this capacity to 10 million tons per year through improvements to the entire corridor infrastructure, including railways and ports.
With the launch of the Kazakhstan-China cargo terminal in Xi’an in 2024, container transit from China via the Middle Corridor has seen a significant boost. According to the year-end results, 358 container trains were dispatched, which is a 33-fold increase compared to the previous period. In 2025, approximately 600 container trains are expected to be sent from China via the Middle Corridor, highlighting the route’s potential.
Currently, one of the main priorities is to reduce transit time. To achieve this, transport companies in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are coordinating ship and train schedules, enhancing operational coordination, and implementing measures to prevent unexpected delays.
– What goods does Kazakhstan export through TITR?
– Traditionally, Kazakhstan’s export cargo flow is dominated by petrochemical products, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, coal, grain, and other products. Additionally, Kazakhstan uses the Middle Corridor to diversify its oil exports.
– How do Kazakhstani and Azerbaijani companies build mutual relations and what difficulties do they face?
– The primary task for Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan railway organizations is joint planning and efficient distribution of cargo flows. This is crucial to prevent congestion at the ports of Aktau and Alat.
As for difficulties, several key issues stand out. The first issue relates to the digitalization of cargo control processes. This requires harmonization of regulatory, technical, and legislative standards of different countries. Participants in international transportation apply different approaches for the integration of digital systems, which requires both coordination and participation of strong specialists.
The second problem is cybersecurity. With the expansion of digital solutions, additional measures are needed to ensure the security of data and infrastructure.
The third issue is reconciling the interests of logistics chain participants. 1. This involves shippers, terminals, and customs authorities. High-level coordination and continuous monitoring among all these parties are required to ensure uninterrupted cargo transportation.
– What meetings are planned with Azerbaijani partners in the near future and what issues will be discussed?
– Kazakhstan Temir Zholy and Azerbaijan Railways regularly maintain dialogue to enhance the potential of the Middle Corridor. Key issues related to route development are discussed during meetings within the framework of the TITR International Association. These meetings involve analyzing existing problems and determining strategic priorities for future cooperation.
The next general and working group meeting of the TITR International Association is scheduled to be held in Baku in February 2025. During this meeting, the results of the previous period will be analyzed, and current challenges, as well as steps for further development of the route, will be discussed.
