Future Potential of the Trans-Caspian Corridor: A Comprehensive Review of Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

The Trans-Caspian Corridor, also known as the Middle Corridor, has emerged as a strategically significant transportation and trade route connecting Asia and Europe through Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, the South Caucasus, and Türkiye. Growing geopolitical uncertainties, supply chain disruptions, and and increasing demand for trade route diversification have enhanced the importance of this corridor in regional and global commerce. This review examines the current development, opportunities, challenges, and future potential of the Trans-Caspian Corridor by analyzing existing literature, policy initiatives, and infrastructure projects. The study highlights the corridor’s role in improving connectivity, reducing transit times, facilitating international trade, and strengthening economic cooperation among participating countries. Furthermore, it explores key challenges, including infrastructure bottlenecks, regulatory inconsistencies, logistical constraints, and geopolitical risks that may hinder its full operational capacity. The review finds that ongoing investments in transport infrastructure, digitalization, customs harmonization, and regional cooperation are likely to enhance the corridor’s competitiveness and sustainability. The findings suggest that the Trans-Caspian Corridor possesses significant potential to become a major Eurasian trade route, contributing to regional economic integration and global supply chain resilience. Future policy efforts should focus on improving multimodal transport efficiency, strengthening cross-border collaboration, and promoting sustainable transport practices to maximize the corridor's long-term benefits.