The Ministry of Railway Transport of Turkmenistan is consistently working to increase freight volumes along key international transport corridors, primarily the “North–South” route. Special emphasis is placed on growing transit and international cargo flows, expanding the range of services, and creating competitive tariff conditions for shippers and carriers.
Significant progress has been achieved in container transport, currently recognized as one of the most convenient and efficient methods for cargo delivery.
Due to Turkmenistan’s strategic geographical location and developed logistical infrastructure, container shipping is actively used to boost transit, export, and import flows along the following corridors: North–South, Lapis Lazuli, East–West.
According to the railway ministry, 21,320 container shipments were carried out through Turkmenistan in 2025. The breakdown is as follows:
- Transit: 10,470
- Export: 6,450
- Import: 4,400
This total represents an increase of 10,200 containers compared to the same period the previous year, signaling a dynamic rise in interest toward Turkmen transit routes.
Negotiations with international partners regarding favorable conditions for multimodal corridors have provided additional momentum. During the reporting period, 74 container trains were organized along routes including Russia – Kazakhstan – Turkmenistan – Iran, Turkmenistan – Azerbaijan – Georgia – Türkiye – Europe (with Uzbekistan’s participation).
Currently, Turkmenistan plans a comprehensive modernization of the Ashgabat–Turkmenbashi railway. This strategically vital artery connects the capital and inland regions to the International Turkmenbashi Sea Port. This line is crucial for integrating the Lapis Lazuli, TRACECA, North–South, and East–West corridors, ensuring the seamless, 24/7 transport of growing cargo volumes.
As of now, the total length of Turkmenistan’s railways has reached 5,173.4 kilometers, with 3,947.1 kilometers consisting of main trunk lines.
Earlier reports highlighted plans by Kazakhstan and Iran to strengthen transport connectivity via the Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran railway and the launch of the Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Armenia corridor. ///nCa, 26 January 2026