Reducing transit times and accelerating freight transport are primary factors determining the attractiveness and competitiveness of international transport routes. In this regard, the digitalization of the Middle Corridor and the exchange of information among route participants through a unified system hold particular significance.
Sea-news.az reports transport expert Rauf Agamirzayev stated this in a commentary to AZERTAC.
According to him, the time factor plays a crucial role in competition between transport corridors:
“The shorter the transit time, the more attractive and competitive the route becomes. This is not merely about the actions of a single country. All corridor member states must shape a unified, coordinated approach. Transitioning the Middle Corridor into a digital corridor format represents an essential step toward this goal.
Synchronized, advance exchange of documentation and data can prevent unnecessary time losses at border crossings and other stages. Expanding the capacity of the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway line, modernizing Azerbaijan’s railway infrastructure, and increasing throughput at the Port of Baku all serve to handle the growing cargo flows along the Middle Corridor.
The measures implemented by Azerbaijan directly contribute to expanding the capabilities of the Middle Corridor as a whole. However, the efficient operation of the corridor does not depend solely on infrastructure development in individual countries. Ensuring coordination across all segments of the route, simplifying border and customs procedures, accelerating information exchanges, and implementing digital solutions are equally vital,” Agamirzayev noted.
The expert pointed out that infrastructure levels vary among corridor countries due to differences in geographical size, the length of the route passing through their territories, and economic resources.
“Nevertheless, Middle Corridor participants have made substantial infrastructure investments in recent years, and the results are already evident. Existing infrastructure currently accommodates a specific volume of freight. However, against the backdrop of rising cargo traffic, further enhancing the capacity of railways, ports, logistics centers, and border checkpoints is required.
Continuous infrastructure upgrades are essential to meet growing demand, with digitalization acting as an integral part of this process. Digital solutions enable more effective tracking of cargo movement along the route, timely information sharing, and stronger coordination among participating nations. Consequently, transit times are reduced, and the international appeal of the Middle Corridor for freight transportation is enhanced,” the expert added.
It should be noted that the Digital Trade Corridor platform, which connects the railway systems of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia based on a single-window framework, has been implemented along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. The “Tez Gömrük” (Fast Customs) module, enabling paperless customs transit, has reduced customs clearance duration from 8 hours to 30 minutes.
