The Eurasian Transport Network

“Eurasian Transport Network” introduces a new conceptual approach to future developments in integrated regional connectivity. It outlines key projects and initiatives aimed at improving transport connectivity in Eurasia.

• Report

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• Summary

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• Key conclusions

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• Presentation

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• Eurasian Transport Network

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• Road and rail routes

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• Eurasian Transport Network Road routes

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• Rail routes

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• Rail systems in Eurasia

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• Prospective projects

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The Eurasian Transport Network is a system of interconnected latitudinal and longitudinal international transport corridors and routes, facilitating intra- and trans-continental connectivity for Eurasian countries. It builds upon over 50,000 km of international east-west and north-south transport corridors, linking Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Their interconnection generates synergies resulting in up to 40% of additional freight traffic.

The Eurasian Transport Network consists of five key international transport corridors: the Northern, Central and Southern Eurasian Corridors, TRACECA, and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), along with branch lines and regional routes.

The Eurasian Transport Network today Source: the EDB.

The EDB introduced the concept of a Eurasian Transport Network in 2021, and this report presents its detailed framework. The concept emphasises the importance of interconnectedness and complementarity of Eurasian transport corridors to enhance transport connectivity, reduce trade-related costs and facilitate access to international markets, especially for land-locked developing countries (LLDCs) and inland areas.

The Eurasian Transport Network Concept consists of ten systemic elements.

The Eurasian Transport Network Concept Source: the EDB.

Three years ago, the EDB released a report titled The International North–South Transport Corridor: Promoting Eurasia’s Intra- and Transcontinental Connectivity, which estimated that connecting international transport corridors would yield a 40% increase in freight traffic. In 2024, this projection was fully confirmed by the dynamic development of the INSTC and its linkage to TRACECA.

The advancement of the Eurasian Transport Network is paving the way for the establishment of a transport hub in Central Asia. The development of multimodal transport and transit corridors is the only viable solution for Central Asian countries due to the significant distances between trade partners. Establishing a transport hub will facilitate an increase in international traffic, including transit. The EDB projects that freight traffic along the three main corridors running through Central Asia will increase by 1.5 times to 95 million tonnes by 2030. Container traffic is expected to grow even more rapidly, by almost two-thirds, reaching 1.7 million TEU.

The Eurasian Transport Network holds particular importance for Central Asian countries. Enhanced intra-regional economic connectivity will lead to lower transportation costs between countries along the corridor and to seaports.

The Eurasian Transport Network will help reduce imbalances in the geography of trade across Eurasia. For example, calculations using the International Trade Center gravity model estimate that the untapped trade potential between India and Central Asian countries is twice the five-year average of actual trade between them, primarily due to poor transport connectivity and high transport costs.

Improved transport connectivity will also create momentum for realising the region’s agro-industrial potential. The Eurasian region is one of the world’s breadbaskets and can provide food for 600 million people through agricultural exports (EDB Report “Food Security and Agro-Industrial Potential of the Eurasian Region”). However, to achieve this, the region’s countries must properly develop their transportation and logistics infrastructure.

Of particular importance is the development of soft infrastructure within the Eurasian Transport Network. Specifically, integrated logistics services can shift the focus from competition between corridors and modes of transport to interaction between them. Implementing integrated multimodal logistics technology can reduce transportation costs by 15%.

The benefits of improving soft infrastructure are comparable to those of developing physical infrastructure. Improving soft infrastructure is based on three principles: harmonisation, coordination and digitalisation. For example, exports from Central Asian countries could grow by 18% as cargo and vehicle downtime at border crossings is halved. Transitioning to digital technologies and shipping documents can save up to four days at border crossings for international freight traffic.

Given the limited investment opportunities facing most developing countries in Eurasia, especially those with middle or lower-middle income levels, a key area of cooperation to develop transport links in Eurasia is boosting the number of projects attractive to international development banks and private investors. This includes projects implemented through public-private partnerships (PPPs) and cross-border PPPs.