Gateology ● Investments in the Development of TRACECA

2026-09-10

According to data from the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), the total cost of projects related to the development of specific sections of the TRACECA transport corridor—including the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route—amounts to $42.8 billion.

Data published by the EDB indicates that a large-scale investment program for the development of Eurasian transport infrastructure is underway. Particular attention is being paid to Central Asia and the transport routes connecting China with Europe.

402 Transport Projects Worth $345 Billion

The EDB’s transport project database comprises 402 projects with a combined investment value of approximately $345 billion.

Of these, 114 projects are being implemented or are in various stages of preparation in Central Asia; their total value exceeds $71.75 billion.

A significant portion of the investment program is linked to the development of international transport corridors, including TRACECA and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), widely known as the "Middle Corridor."

Where are the major investments going?

Road infrastructure accounts for the largest share—approximately 56%—of transport infrastructure development projects in Central Asia.

Meanwhile, approximately 29.8% of the investment portfolio is allocated to the development of railway infrastructure.

These sectors are particularly important for the growth of international freight transport, as the capacity of alternative overland routes between China and Europe becomes increasingly significant.

Projects worth over $6 billion were completed in 2025

Several major transport projects were completed in Central Asia in 2025. Their total value exceeded $6 billion.

In Turkmenistan, the Ashgabat–Mary–Turkmenabat highway was put into operation, as was the section of the "North-South" international transport corridor stretching from Turkmenbashi through Garabogaz to the Kazakh border.

In Kazakhstan, the modernization of the Dostyk–Moyynty railway line was completed. The Kok-Art Pass tunnel has been constructed in Kyrgyzstan as part of the "North-South" alternative highway project.

In Tajikistan, specific sections of the Obigarm-Nurabad road have been put into operation, while in Uzbekistan, the electrification of the Bukhara-Urgench-Khiva railway line has been completed, creating the necessary conditions for the development of high-speed passenger rail services.

What is the Middle Corridor?

The Middle Corridor connects China and Europe via Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

The route comprises: China → Kazakhstan → Caspian Sea → Azerbaijan → Georgia → Turkey → Europe.

Georgia plays a pivotal role in this transport chain, as it links the Caspian Sea region with Turkey.

Developing the Middle Corridor entails not only the construction of new roads and railways but also the modernization of existing infrastructure, the expansion of ports, the development of logistics centers, and the improvement of border procedures.

How long does cargo transit take?

Transporting cargo from China to Europe via the Middle Corridor takes approximately 12–15 days.

The route's competitiveness depends not only on transportation time but also on the throughput capacity of the Caspian Sea crossing, railways, and ports.

Why is this important for Georgia?

Georgia's location along the Middle Corridor gives the country a significant transit role.

Cargo arriving from the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea passes through Azerbaijan into Georgia before heading toward Turkey and Europe.

The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line, which connects the South Caucasus to Turkey's railway network, is of particular importance.

An increase in cargo turnover along the Middle Corridor could boost the following for Georgia:

● Transit revenues;

● Port and railway utilization;

● Demand for logistics services;

● Development of warehouses and transport hubs;

● Georgia's significance as a regional transit center.

However, the $42.8 billion figure does not represent funds already spent.

It is important to correctly interpret the $42.8 billion figure presented by the EDB.

This amount does not imply that $42.8 billion has already been allocated or spent.

It refers to the total investment value of transport projects, encompassing both ongoing and planned initiatives.

Therefore, this figure should be viewed more accurately as the investment potential for regional transport infrastructure development rather than as investment that has already been realized.

The regional transport map is changing.

As trade between China and Europe grows, the importance of transport corridors in Central Asia and the South Caucasus is also increasing.

If a significant portion of the planned projects is implemented, the capacity of the Middle Corridor will expand, and Georgia could become an even more vital transit link between Asia and Europe.

Source: Eurasian Development Bank (EDB); Caspian Geopolitics.