Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Almaty, September 30 (Xinhua) — At the junction of Kazakhstan and China, where the railway routes of the East and West converge, infrastructure is actively developing to support the growth of transit traffic along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TCITR). Kazakhstan's terminals at the Dostyk and Khorgos stations, as well as the TCITR International Association, are demonstrating impressive results, transforming the country into a key logistics hub in Eurasia.
Dostyk Station operates one of the most modern terminals in Central Asia. Dozens of trains are unloaded here daily, facilitating the transit of goods from China to Russia, Europe, and back.
According to Dostyk Transterminal CEO Takan Gizzatov, annual growth in freight traffic through the Alashankou-Dostyk station exceeds 20 percent, which has a positive impact on the terminal's operations and the region's economy.
"Cargo takes two to three months to arrive by sea, but by rail we deliver it in 10 to 14 days. That's why demand for the overland route is steadily growing," he explained.
The Khorgos Gateway dry port also serves as a key link on the border. According to the company's Commercial Director, Muslim Kadyrov, 380,000 containers were handled there in 2024, and approximately 245,000 in the first eight months of 2025.
As M. Kadyrov noted, there has been a steady increase in shipping volumes and expanding international cooperation. "In 2024, 20,500 containers were handled through the Hargos Gateway terminal along the Trans-Caucasian International Transport Route. In the first eight months of 2025, this figure was approximately 12,700 containers. The prospects for this route are assessed as very positive," he noted.
He also expressed his opinion that the Trans-Caucasian Transit Route (TCTR) is becoming a serious alternative for maritime transport. He stated that the Hargos Gateway partnership is very pleased to be involved in shipping along the TTR route.
"We are proud that this transshipment is taking place at our terminal. We are making every effort to ensure uninterrupted and safe transshipment along this route… For me personally, participating in this progress is a great source of pride," said M. Kadyrov.
Statistics from the International TCITR Association also illustrate the scale of these changes. According to Acting Secretary General Nurgul Zhakupova, 2.1 million tons of cargo were transported along the route in the first eight months of 2025.
Container shipments are growing particularly rapidly. "In 2023, we sent 11 container trains, and in 2024, 359. In the first eight months of this year, 275 trains were dispatched. According to forecasts from international consulting companies, by 2030, the TITR route could carry up to 300,000 TEUs of transit cargo and up to 10 million tons of Kazakhstan's exports," said N. Zhakupova.
The route connects Kazakhstan, China, the Caucasus countries, and Turkey. According to the expert, delivery from the Chinese border to Georgian ports takes only 12-15 days—two to three times faster than by sea. Moreover, tariffs on the Trans-Caucasian Trans-Pacific Route have remained stable for five years, making it even more attractive for shippers.
In her opinion, the significance of the TITR lies not only in creating an alternative to traditional routes between East and West, but also in its comprehensive impact on the economies of the participating countries.
Plans include completing the second Aktogay-Moiynty railway line, modernizing bypasses, and expanding port capacity on the Caspian Sea. Experts believe all these steps will enhance the competitiveness of Kazakhstan and the region's countries on the global transport map.
"The development of the Trans-Caucasian International Transport Route (TITR) attracts investment in transport and logistics infrastructure, creates new jobs, and expands the transit and export potential of the countries participating in the route. All of this creates a more sustainable and balanced system of international trade that meets the interests of all participants along the route," concluded N. Zhakupova.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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