The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor, is a multimodal transport corridor connecting China, Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey, with further access to Europe via the Black Sea.
The route plays a key role in increasing cargo flows between Asia and Europe while effectively reviving the ancient Silk Road on a modern infrastructure and digital foundation.
Key Areas of TITR Development
Increased Capacity
Currently, the corridor is capable of handling up to 6 million tons of cargo per year, with plans to expand capacity to 10 million tons by 2025, including up to 200,000 containers annually.
In 2023, more than 2.7 million tons of cargo were transported via TITR — an 86% increase compared to the previous year. In 2024, traffic volumes reached record levels, confirming the corridor’s growing strategic importance.
Infrastructure Modernization
Kazakhstan is actively upgrading infrastructure along the route, including:
Modernization of Caspian Sea ports
Construction of new cargo terminals
Expansion and development of railway lines
These investments aim to increase throughput capacity and reduce transit times.
Digitalization and Simplified Procedures
Business processes along the TITR are being automated, contributing to:
Simplified administrative and customs procedures
Greater transparency
Faster cargo processing
Improved operational efficiency
Digital solutions are becoming a core competitive advantage of the corridor.
Development of Logistics Services
New logistics services are being introduced, along with competitive tariff policies designed to attract additional cargo flows and strengthen the corridor’s position in the Eurasian transport market.
Growth in Container Traffic
In 2024, container transportation along the Kazakh section of the route increased by 62%. Kazakhstan aims to double this figure within the next three years, reinforcing its leadership within the corridor.
International Cooperation
Eight countries participate in the development of TITR. Kazakhstan plays a central role, accounting for more than 80% of transit volumes along the route.
Integration with European Networks
There are plans to integrate TITR with the European transport network and align it with the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, further strengthening connectivity between Asia and Europe.
Development Outlook
According to World Bank forecasts, by 2035, TITR could account for 20–25% of trade between Asia and Europe. Trade volumes along the corridor are expected to triple, reaching approximately 9 million tons annually.
TITR aims to become one of the most reliable and secure land bridges between Asia and Europe.
Benefits for Kazakhstan
The development of TITR provides significant strategic advantages for Kazakhstan:
Substantial growth in cargo volumes and transit revenues
Increased competitiveness of the national economy
Strengthening Kazakhstan’s role as a key Eurasian transport hub
Attraction of new investments into transport and logistics infrastructure