Silk Road Digest | 2 Oct 2026

2026-10-02

Several significant processes are underway regarding the development of transport connections in the region. Key items on the agenda include enhancing the efficiency of the Middle Corridor, integrating Uzbekistan into new transport routes, continuing CAREC investment programs, and developing a new Kazakhstan-India freight route via Poti.

Regional Coordination for the Development of the Middle Corridor

Coordinated development of regional transport infrastructure and services is crucial for maximizing the potential of the Middle Corridor. According to Ekaterine Guntsadze, Deputy Minister of Finance of Georgia, focus must be placed on integrating railways, roads, ports, logistics hubs, and digital infrastructure into a unified system.

Simplifying customs and border procedures is also cited as a key factor. For Georgia, situated along the central section of the Middle Corridor, these initiatives are directly linked to increasing the route's throughput capacity, speed, and competitiveness.

Uzbekistan’s Interest in the Zangezur Route

Uzbekistan is considering participation in transport projects along the Zangezur route, including the development of a railway connection from Nakhchivan to Turkey.

Establishing new routes is crucial for the country to secure additional transport access to international markets. Plans under consideration include developing Caspian Sea infrastructure and ferry capabilities, participating in railway projects in Azerbaijan, and investing in expanding the capacity of the Middle Corridor.

Developing the Zangezur route will, in turn, facilitate the expansion of East-West transport links across the South Caucasus.

CAREC: 25 Years, $60.2 Billion

Cumulative investments made under the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program over the past 25 years have reached $60.2 billion. The program has expanded from its original five member countries to an 11-nation partnership today. A significant portion of investments has been directed toward improving transport and energy connections and expanding market access. Priorities for the next phase of CAREC include facilitating trade and investment, upgrading border infrastructure, and strengthening energy and digital connectivity.

New Poti–Kazakhstan–India Route

The Port of Poti is emerging as a key link in a new route for transporting cargo from Kazakhstan to India. This route expands the geographical reach of the Middle Corridor, creating opportunities to connect it with South Asian markets.

On September 23, 2026, KTZ Express confirmed the first shipment of a Kazakh agricultural product—lentils—to India.

Route: Kazakhstan → Aktau → Caspian Sea → Alyat, Azerbaijan → Georgian Railway → Port of Poti → Port of Mundra, India.

In this arrangement, Poti serves as a maritime gateway for Kazakhstan to the Indian market. At this stage, the shipment is of a trial nature; however, it demonstrates the technical feasibility of connecting Central Asian cargo to South Asia via the Black Sea.

Establishing a stable, two-way cargo flow is crucial for the further development of the route. Potential cargoes include grains and legumes, oilseeds, mineral and chemical products, metals, and other containerized goods. In the opposite direction, shipments from India could include pharmaceuticals, chemicals, textiles, and machinery.

Investment in Georgian Railways

According to the draft state budget for 2027, Georgia plans to invest 890 million GEL (approximately $341.9 million) in railway infrastructure within the framework of the Middle Corridor between 2027 and 2030.

Of this total investment, 250 million GEL will be spent in 2027, 250 million in 2028, 160 million in 2029, and 230 million GEL in 2030. The project aims to improve railway efficiency and climate resilience. Georgian Railway also plans to acquire 45 electric freight locomotives and 10 electric trainsets. A new electrical substation will also be built to modernize infrastructure and increase capacity.

Strengthening regional coordination, developing new routes, and efficiently utilizing existing infrastructure create additional opportunities to bolster the Middle Corridor and Georgia's role as a transit hub.

Sources:
gbc.ge / bm.ge / adb.org / transcor.ge
report.az / finfly.news