The huge potential of the route from India to Kazakhstan

The Eurasian transport map is expanding with new strategic hubs. The launch of a direct rail link between Indian ports and Kazakh railway stations opens a new chapter in regional trade relations. Experts are confident that this route has the potential to become a key driver of the Central Asian economy.

First Swallow: From the Port of Mundra to the Heart of Astana

The start of a new logistics era was marked by the dispatch of a pilot train. Twelve twenty-foot containers loaded with high-quality ceramic tiles departed from India's largest port. MundraThe final destination is Sorokovaya station in Astana.

This route was the result of coordinated efforts by operators from three countries: Kazakhstan's KTZ, Uzbekistan's UztemirYulKonteyner, and Turkmenistan's TLCT. The route demonstrates the potential of multimodal transportation, combining sea and rail transport.

Geography and timing: faster than by sea

The container route passes through the territories of four countries, forming a powerful logistical link:

• Marine section: 1,585 km from India to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas.

• Land section: 4,300 km along the railways of Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

The total travel time is from 25 to 30 daysDelivery times directly depend on the operational efficiency of the Bandar Abbas port. However, this route is already being considered as an effective alternative to traditional routes, allowing shippers to save significant time and money.

Expert opinion: underestimated potential

Director of Logistics Projects Development at Arivist Group Stanislav Tobin He believes the market is on the cusp of major changes. He believes the new route is currently overshadowed by more established destinations, but it's only a matter of time.

"Consumption in Central Asian countries is colossal, and the need for stable cargo supplies is only growing. All trends indicate that this route will rapidly develop and expand in the future," Tobin emphasizes.

The expert is confident that the launch of this service is excellent news not only for the direct participants, but also for the entire transit potential of the region.

Eastern branch of the North-South corridor

The service is being developed within the framework of a large-scale project – an international transport corridor North - SouthActivating its eastern branch offers businesses a number of undeniable advantages:

Cost reduction: Optimization of tariffs for transportation within the territories of partner countries.

Transparency: Containerization of cargo simplifies customs and handling procedures.

New markets: Opportunity for Kazakh exporters to gain direct access to Indian Ocean ports.

The successful implementation of such projects makes Kazakhstan a key hub linking the growing markets of South Asia with consumers in Central Asia and beyond.