Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan are advancing the eastern segment of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) following a meeting between Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin and Turkmenistan’s Director General of the Agency for Transport and Communications, Mammethan Chakyev, to explore cooperation opportunities in the transport sector.

A primary focus of the discussion was the advancement of the eastern direction of the North-South corridor, a strategic route passing through Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan that facilitates the transit of goods to Pakistan and India.

The meeting follows the signing of a roadmap in July 2024 between Kazakhstan, Russia, Iran, and Turkmenistan, aimed at the synchronous development of the North-South corridor. This roadmap includes the utilization of the western branch of the Trans-Afghan Railway, further enhancing connectivity across the region.

Kazakhstan expressed its readiness to collaborate with Turkmenistan and Afghanistan on constructing sections of the Afghan railway, specifically the “Turgundi-Herat-Kandahar-Spin-Buldak” route. This involvement would include supplying track superstructure materials, sleepers, rails, and fasteners produced in Kazakhstan.

Additionally, discussions covered the nuances of the Turgundi-Herat railway construction and the potential to boost cargo deliveries towards China via Turgundi. Both parties emphasized the importance of creating competitive tariff conditions along the China-Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran corridor and the North-South route. 

To enhance the efficiency of these corridors, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Russia agreed to establish a single logistics operator on the eastern branch, ensuring seamless cargo transportation.

The International North-South Transport Corridor, a major transportation project spanning over 7,200 kilometers, exemplifies the commitment to improving global trade connectivity across Eurasia. Launched to enhance cargo movement between India, Russia, Iran, and Azerbaijan, the INSTC has become a pivotal geopolitical network with significant regional impacts. 

Established in 2000 and ratified by India, Iran, and Russia in 2002, its goal is to create a seamless trade route linking the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea and extending to Northern Europe. The corridor offers a promising alternative to the Suez Canal route, potentially cutting transit times by 40% and reducing freight costs by 30%.