Shipping freights from China departed for Europe following a stationary period in Istanbul
The first freight trains under the new Middle Corridor service departed from Chongqing and Chengdu, China, and arrived in Istanbul, marking a significant moment in the global logistics landscape. This new rail link bridges East Asia and Europe via Central Asia and Turkey, providing a faster, reliable, and alternative route to traditional maritime and northern rail paths.
The Middle Corridor, formally known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, spans from China through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey before reaching European markets. Since its launch in 2013, it has rapidly expanded, with the 20,000th train passing through in 2025, evidence of its growing importance in Eurasian trade.
For Turkey, this corridor strengthens its role in global logistics by positioning the country as a crucial geostrategic and transport hub connecting Asia and Europe. Turkey's extensive national railway network, including over 2,200 km of high-speed lines, enables uninterrupted cargo transit from China to Europe through the corridor.
The agreement between Turkish company Pasifik Eurasia and China State Railway to develop the Middle Corridor route has become effective. Pasifik Eurasia aims to initially operate 10 train services, with the goal of reaching 1,000 services per year. This partnership is expected to increase freight volumes along the Middle Corridor, reinforcing Turkey’s strategic importance in global supply chains.
Iskurt, speaking at the ceremony for the arrival of the trains at Marmaray Halkalı Station in Istanbul, highlighted the historic milestone and the potential of the Middle Corridor to revolutionise global trade. Iskurt noted the growth in global trade volume, from $3 trillion in 1990 to $33 trillion today, and the necessity to develop faster, more efficient, environmentally friendly, and integrated logistics systems.
Railway transportation stands out with its advantages of low carbon emissions, high capacity, and safe transport. The first regularly operated freight train between China and Europe will reach Poland via Turkey, signalling a new era in international trade. This route bypasses Russia, shortening journey times and distances while enhancing supply chain resilience amid geopolitical tensions and global shipping delays.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Ministers of Transport and Infrastructure, the Director General of Turkish State Railways, and other officials, reflecting the significance of this event for both Turkey and the global logistics system. With Turkey's substantial investments in transport infrastructure and customs harmonization along this corridor, it is poised to become a key logistics nexus linking Europe and Asia.
- The Middle Corridor transportation route, encompassing countries like China, Kazakhstan, and Turkey, has the potential to revolutionize global trade, as highlighted by Iskurt during the arrival of the Chongqing-Istanbul freight trains.
- Turkey's strategic importance in global supply chains is strengthened by the growing Middle Corridor, with Pasifik Eurasia aiming to increase train services from initial 10 to 1,000 per year, potentially boosting freight volumes along this route.
- The energy-efficient railway transportation within the Middle Corridor provides viable alternatives for businesses, industries, and finance sectors, offering a faster, reliable, and environmentally friendly route between Europe and Asia, bypassing Russia in some cases.
