Kazakhstan is taking a proactive approach to enhance the capacity and efficiency of two critical transport corridors: the North-South corridor and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). These efforts involve both internal strategies and international collaboration.
To improve service, reduce cargo delivery time and provide services on the principle of a “single window” in this transport corridor, the railway administrations of Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation and Turkmenistan plan to create a joint venture, reported Vice Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan Maksat Kaliakparov during a meeting in Mangystau with Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin.
The North-South corridor, connecting the port of Aktau with northern Iranian ports, offers a highly promising alternative trade route. This strategic corridor, with its Eastern branch running through the Mangystau region, is becoming increasingly important as an alternative route.
The North-South corridor has already witnessed significant growth, with cargo transportation via rail reaching 2.1 million tons in 2023, a 4% increase compared to the previous year.
“By 2027, the transport potential of the corridor will be increased from 6 to 10 million tons per year,” Kaliakparov said.
The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) has emerged as a successful alternative to traditional East-West routes, boasting a current capacity of 6 million tons. In 2023, TITR posted a remarkable 65% surge in cargo handling compared to 2022, reaching 2.76 million tons.
This positive trend continued in the first month of 2024, with shipments experiencing a further 147% year-on-year increase.
Kazakhstan is committed to further developing TMTM’s potential. Extensive infrastructure upgrades are planned, encompassing port expansions, rolling stock modernization, simplifying administrative procedures.
These efforts, coupled with the creation of favorable conditions for carriers, aim to propel TITR’s capacity to 10 million tons annually by 2027.
The Mangystau region plays a pivotal role in Kazakhstan’s transportation and logistics network, serving as a crucial link for both the North-South and TITR corridors. Recognizing this strategic importance, the recent meeting in Mangystau emphasized the need to intensify efforts towards expanding and enhancing the capacity of these vital corridors. ///nCa, 27 February 2024