The Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route) is a land–sea route running from China to Kazakhstan, across the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan, and on to Georgia and Turkey. It stands out as an alternative to the northern route through Russia and to the sea route through Suez.
Figures for 2025 and 2026
- According to Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), 4.7 million tonnes of cargo moved on the Middle Corridor in 2025. Traffic is expected to grow by about 10% in 2026.
- Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Transport expects total transit cargo through Azerbaijan to exceed 16 million tonnes in 2026, of which 5.5 million tonnes would pass through the Middle Corridor.
- January–July 2026: Total transit cargo through Azerbaijan exceeded 9.1 million tonnes, up 11.6% on the same period of 2025.
- First half of 2026: Transit cargo carried by Azerbaijan Railways reached 3.625 million tonnes (+9%). The east–west Middle Corridor part was 1.958 million tonnes (+12%).
Note: these figures come from different institutions and use different definitions. For example, the OTS figure of 4.7 million tonnes and Azerbaijan’s 5.5 million tonne forecast should not be compared directly.
Infrastructure: bottlenecks and investment
- Baku–Tbilisi–Kars (BTK) railway: The line linking Turkey to Azerbaijan via Georgia has an annual capacity of about 5 million tonnes.
- Port of Baku: Capacity is planned to rise from 15 million to 25 million tonnes.
The Caspian crossing remains the most sensitive link of the corridor because of vessel capacity and weather. The number of transshipment points directly affects transit time and cost.
Turkey’s role
Turkey is one of the places where the Middle Corridor connects to Europe. Cargo can reach Turkey and Europe by rail via Kars or by sea from Georgia’s Black Sea ports. Turkey’s Marmara and Black Sea ports can form part of the sea leg of this connection.
Who is it suitable for?
The Middle Corridor can be considered for cargo looking for an option faster than sea freight but cheaper than air freight. It is not suitable for every shipment: the number of transshipments, customs procedures and capacity limits must be taken into account. A comparative cost and time calculation against sea freight is the soundest approach.
Frequently asked questions
How long does cargo take from China to Turkey via the Middle Corridor?
It depends on the loading point, the number of transshipments and waiting time at the Caspian crossing. Ask a carrier for an up-to-date transit time.
Is the Middle Corridor an alternative to Suez?
Partly. Its capacity is very small compared with sea freight, but it offers speed and route diversity for certain cargo.
Sources
- Report.az: Omuraliev – Freight volume on Middle Corridor to rise 10% in 2026
- Trend: Azerbaijan expects transit cargo to exceed 16 million tons in 2026
- Trend: Azerbaijan’s international rail freight traffic value rises by over 15% in 1H2026
This article is based on sources published up to 26 October 2026.
