The tensions arising around the Strait of Hormuz have become an additional factor accelerating the development of alternative transport routes in global trade. Middle Eastern, South Caucasian, and Central Asian countries have stepped up the implementation of large infrastructure projects to reduce dependence on logistical bottlenecks.
According to sea-news.az transport expert Rauf Agamirzayev notes that regional countries currently view transport corridors not as isolated national projects, but as integral components of a unified Eurasian logistics system. According to the expert, Persian Gulf countries are simultaneously working on several strategic initiatives, including the “Development Road” project, which will connect Iraq’s Al-Faw port with Türkiye’s transport network.
In this new transport configuration, the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route) gains particular importance, and Azerbaijan stands as one of the key links in this line. R. Agamirzayev stated that the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway, whose capacity has been increased to 5 million tons per year, already plays a vital role. Among the projects that will provide an additional boost to the corridor’s development are the Kars–Iğdır–Dilucu–Nakchivan railway line and the prospective Zangezur corridor.
“Today, the diversification of routes is no longer a choice; it is a vital necessity. Every state strives to have several alternative multimodal routes,” R. Agamirzayev emphasized.
In parallel, infrastructure is also being developed in Central Asia. One of the largest projects, the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway line, is expected to be commissioned by 2030. According to experts, this emerging global network will not only strengthen integration within Eurasia in the future but will also open new logistical gateways to African markets through Türkiye’s Mediterranean ports.
