Kazakhstan ’s drive to develop the Middle Corridor gained new momentum on October 15, when Astana and Baku agreed to deepen cooperation on the Trans-Caspian route. The agreement adds a practical dimension to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s sustained diplomatic efforts to establish Kazakhstan as a central link between Asian and European markets, Qazinform News Agency correspondent reports.
The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), known as the Middle Corridor, connects China with Europe through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye. Interest has grown since 2022 as disruptions to established trade routes encouraged businesses to diversify their supply chains.
For Kazakhstan, the opportunity extends beyond collecting transit fees. Greater connectivity could support logistics, manufacturing, warehousing and exports, provided the country can turn its geographical position into dependable transport services. A September 2026 World Bank report estimates that targeted investment could more than triple trade along the corridor by 2040 and halve transit times.
Across nine participating countries, the resulting gains could add 3.3% to GDP and create approximately two million jobs. With additional trade facilitation reforms, volumes could quadruple and travel times could fall by two-thirds compared with 2023. The investment requirement is substantial: more than $25 billion for core infrastructure through 2040, alongside approximately $30 billion for supporting facilities and equipment.
The World Bank particularly stresses logistics coordination. Fragmented border procedures and inconsistent service standards can absorb much of the time saved by faster rail connections. Improving the route therefore requires governments, railway operators, ports and shipping companies to act together.
Kazakhstan is expanding infrastructure across the corridor's eastern and Caspian sections. According to official data, TITR freight volumes reached 4.48 million tons in 2024 before easing to 4.12 million tons in 2025. Container traffic, however, increased by 36% in 2025 to around 77,000 TEU.
That distinction matters. Containers are particularly important for higher-value, time-sensitive trade, whereas total tonnage can fluctuate with bulk cargo demand. The figures suggest progress in a segment central to the corridor's competitiveness, although overall growth has not been uninterrupted.
The latest figures indicate renewed growth. Freight movement along the route rose 22% year on year during January-August 2026, while East-West transit through Kazakhstan increased by 55%. Major railway projects are intended to accommodate further demand. Additional tracks on the Dostyk-Moyynty section have been completed, while the Moyynty-Kyzylzhar and Darbaza-Maktaaral lines are nearing completion.
The Bakhty-Ayagoz railway, another connection to China, is scheduled to enter service in 2027. Kazakhstan reports that it has built or modernized approximately 5,000 kilometers of railway over the past five years. Road transport is part of the same effort. Construction of the more than 1,500-kilometer Aral-Caspian highway began in August.
Tokayev has said it could shorten the China-Europe road corridor by roughly 1,000 kilometers and reduce the time required to move freight across Kazakhstan from five days to three. Investment is also reaching the Caspian coast. Aktau commissioned a container hub developed with China's Lianyungang Port, while Kazakhstan 's SEMURG INVEST and MSC Group's logistics arm MEDLOG are working on the Sarzha logistics cluster at Kuryk.