Transit through Central Asia jumps 70% in four years

Transit flows through Central Asian countries have increased by 70% between 2020 and 2024, according to the Eurasian Development Bank’s Transport Projects Observatory.

This rise highlights the growing importance of the region as a key transit hub in Eurasia, despite its landlocked geography.

Central Asia’s central location on the continent, combined with major infrastructure projects, is transforming it into a critical link in international logistics chains. The growth in transit volumes is not a one-off spike but rather a stable and ongoing trend.

Currently, 80% of all transit traffic passes through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan with railways carrying about 60% of the total transit cargo volume.

More than 70% of transit routes connect China on one side with Russia, Turkiye, Afghanistan, and European countries on the other.

The development of the Eurasian transport network remains the main driver behind the increase in transit shipments and the formation of a Eurasian transport crossroads. According to the Transport Projects Observatory, over $52 billion are expected to be invested in Central Asia’s transport corridors by 2035.

Deputy Chairman and Chief Economist of the Eurasian Development Bank, Evgeny Vinokurov, emphasises the sustained growth.

“Over the past five years, we have witnessed a doubling of Central Asian countries’ foreign trade with China. At the same time, transit flows have increased by 70%.

But this is only the beginning. Central Asia, which is more remote from global markets than other landlocked regions, requires quality infrastructure. Our estimates put the necessary investment at nearly $53 billion by 2035.” he said.

Vinokurov highlights the importance of transport projects along the North-South direction, including the international North-South transport corridor and the Trans-Afghan corridor, which opens new trade opportunities with the Gulf countries and South Asia.

Beyond hard infrastructure, the growth of transit also depends on improvements in so-called “soft” infrastructure.

Simplifying border-crossing procedures across Central Asia accelerates cargo transit, while coordinated tariff policies help reduce container transport costs.

This multifaceted approach indicates that Central Asia’s rise as a Eurasian transport hub will continue, supported not only by investments in physical infrastructure but also by regional co-operation and regulatory improvements.

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