In 2025, the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) saw modest overall cargo growth of 0.5%, but container traffic surged by 36%. According to the TITR Association, 1.867 million tons of cargo moved through the “Middle Corridor,” slightly exceeding 2024 levels, while container throughput reached 76,900 TEU. A total of 433 container trains used the route, with 400 traveling east-to-west and 33 west-to-east, reflecting increased regular container services.
The faster transit times contributed significantly to this growth. Container trains now reach their destinations in 12–15 days on average, excluding winter months, roughly halving previous delivery times. This efficiency improvement has made the corridor more attractive for shippers and boosted the volume of containerized cargo.
Looking ahead, the TITR Association aims to improve the route’s capacity and operational efficiency over the next 3–5 years. Key priorities include resolving infrastructure bottlenecks, establishing stable and regular container services, attracting additional containerized cargo, and reducing delays caused by winter weather in the Caspian Sea. Plans include acquiring larger container ships, modernizing port cranes, and ensuring resilient Ro-Pax and container vessels.
Digitization is also a major focus, with efforts to implement digital solutions and synchronize information systems among participating countries. These measures are expected to reduce border-crossing times, increase transparency, and lower costs for all logistics chain participants, strengthening the TITR corridor as a key link between China, Central Asia, and Europe.
