Gujrat (TDI): The first container train from India to Kazakhstan has been launched, marking a significant step in regional trade connectivity. The shipment, organized by Kedentransservice JSC, JSC UztemirYulKonteyner (Uzbekistan), and the Transport and Logistics Centre of Turkmenistan, departed from Mundra Port in India carrying 12 twenty-foot containers of ceramic tiles.
The train will travel through Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, covering a total distance of 1,585 kilometers by sea and 4,300 kilometers by rail. The estimated delivery time, depending on port congestion at Bandar Abbas in Iran, is between 25 and 30 days.
The new service is part of ongoing efforts to expand container transportation along the eastern segment of the North-South corridor. The route offers a faster and more cost-effective alternative for cargo movement, reducing both transit time and transportation expenses. By integrating multiple countries, the corridor enhances trade efficiency and strengthens economic cooperation between South Asia and Central Asia.
The launch reflects growing collaboration among regional logistics operators to improve cross-border freight services. It provides exporters and importers with more flexible transport options, addressing supply chain demands and boosting economic ties.
Kazakhstan’s Role in Regional Transit
Kazakhstan continues to position itself as a key transit hub, facilitating cargo movement between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The expansion of railway corridors strengthens Kazakhstan’s role in global supply chains, attracting new trade flows and improving logistics networks.
By connecting India to Kazakhstan through an efficient rail-sea transport system, the corridor supports regional integration and promotes economic growth. The service also benefits Kazakhstan’s import sector by ensuring a stable supply of goods from South Asia.
The route’s design allows for seamless cargo transfers, improving trade efficiency between India and Central Asia. The North-South corridor is expected to play a key role in increasing freight volume, helping businesses reduce logistical costs while ensuring timely deliveries.
With the introduction of this service, exporters gain access to an alternative trade route that bypasses traditional transport barriers. The corridor’s efficiency will likely encourage further investment in regional infrastructure and enhance economic partnerships across participating countries.
Kazakhstan’s railway partnerships with Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Iran continue to grow, enabling the development of new transport routes. The successful execution of the India-Kazakhstan container service highlights the potential for further cooperation in logistics and trade.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts to strengthen connectivity across Eurasia, supporting economic diversification and improving supply chain resilience. As cargo demand rises, the corridor’s role in international trade is expected to expand, benefiting businesses and industries across the region.
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