In Turkmenistan, grand transport connectivity projects are gaining momentum, designed to consolidate the country’s role as a primary logistics hub on the Eurasian map. One of these bold infrastructure initiatives is the construction of the Serakhs–Mary–Serkhetabat (SMS) high-speed highway. Spanning approximately 450 kilometers, the project is set to be implemented by Ojar Aziýa, one of Turkmenistan’s largest private business entities.
Ojar Aziýa (https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUGMOXljNny/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link) is a multi-profile holding company with a proven track record of large-scale projects in road construction, transport and logistics services, residential and industrial development, and municipal infrastructure.
The launch of this project promises to radically transform the transport network of both the country and the continent.
One Road – Three Global Corridors
At the international level, the Serakhs–Mary–Serkhetabat highway will create a unified transport artery where three key international routes converge: North–South, Lapis Lazuli, East–West.
By traversing the Ahal and Mary provinces, the highway will link the borders of Iran (Serakhs) and Afghanistan (Serkhetabat), turning Turkmenistan into a genuine crossroads of continental routes.
Thanks to this project, cargo from Central Asia will reach markets in the Middle East and South Asia faster and more affordably via Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf. Conversely, goods from Iran, Afghanistan, and beyond will gain direct access to Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Europe. Travel time will be significantly reduced, and logistics costs will drop, making the Turkmen route one of the most competitive in the region.
A Business Model Without Budgetary Burden
A defining feature of the project is its purely investment-driven nature. Construction is funded through private capital and will not place a burden on Turkmenistan’s state budget.
The financial model is built on toll-road principles: international shippers and logistics operators will pay to use the modern Serakhs–Mary–Serkhetabat high-speed infrastructure. This ensures a return on investment and long-term self-sufficiency for the highway.
Leveraging its extensive experience in domestic projects, Ojar Aziýa is actively engaging international partners. Specifically, cooperation agreements have already been signed with the Chinese company Sinohydro Bureau 12 Co., Ltd., guaranteeing access to cutting-edge technology and expertise.
Economic and Social Impulse
Experts anticipate a powerful multiplier effect. The new highway will attract additional transit flows, increase export and import volumes, stimulate small and medium-sized enterprises and cross-border trade. Logistics centers, service zones, hotels, and catering infrastructure will emerge along the route. This, in turn, will create hundreds of new jobs and enhance the investment attractiveness of the Ahal and Mary provinces.
The project is particularly timely given the shifting landscape in Afghanistan. Ashgabat’s initiatives to integrate its southern neighbor into regional trade ties mean that reliable transport links through Turkmenistan will contribute to Afghanistan’s economic recovery and support humanitarian supplies. Economic prosperity remains a vital prerequisite for regional stability and security.
Ojar Aziýa emphasizes its commitment to sustainable development—minimizing environmental impact, upholding social responsibility, and creating long-term value for local communities.
A Strategic Step
The Serakhs–Mary–Serkhetabat highway is more than just a construction site; it is an investment in Turkmenistan’s future. In today’s globalized landscape, a nation’s economic dividends—ranging from increased transit and exports to inward investment—are directly proportional to the reach and diversity of its transport network.
Logistics defines economic power. The Serakhs–Mary–Serkhetabat highway project serves as a clear signal: Turkmenistan is open for global partnership and ready to play a leading role in shaping the modern transport architecture of the region. ///nCa, 30 January 2026