Caspian Routes Gain Popularity: Transit Through Turkmenistan Increased by 70%
Against the backdrop of tensions in the Middle East, transport routes through the Caspian region are experiencing growing demand. Under these conditions, Turkmenistan is strengthening its role as one of the key transit links in international logistics corridors, trans.ru reports.
According to the publication, China has intensified the use of the eastern branch of the International North–South Transport Corridor for shipping goods to Iran. The route passes through Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. At the same time, part of the cargo destined for Europe has been redirected to the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.
This is the second time in recent years that interest in Caspian transport corridors has significantly increased. Previously, their importance grew substantially in 2022, when countries needed alternative cargo delivery routes bypassing traditional pathways.
Particular attention is currently being paid to the eastern branch of the North–South Corridor passing through Turkmenistan. As ORIENT reported, in January–April 2026, the volume of container transportation through the country increased by 70% compared to the same period last year.
During the first four months of this year, 19 container trains on the “China–Iran” route and 25 trains operating along the “Russia–Iran–Russia” route passed through Turkmenistan’s railways.
The growing importance of Caspian routes is also linked to restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal. As a result, China and other countries are being forced to make greater use of overland transport corridors, including routes through Central Asia and the Caspian Sea.
According to the Argus agency, in the first quarter of 2026, the volume of transit freight trains from China passing through Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan more than doubled compared to the same period last year.
