The Transcaspian Transport Route – Current Developments and Challenges

Abstract

Summary. The article discusses the current state and potential of the Transcaspian Route, a transport route connecting Asia and Europe via Kazakhstan and the Caspian Sea. The route is intended as an alternative to the classic transport corridor through Russia, which became unfeasible due to the consequences of the war in Ukraine. The inductive qualitative research, where eight in-depth interviews with logistics service providers and political stakeholders along the route were conducted, explores four fields of action: Political Framework, Infrastructure, Cooperation, and Technology. The findings will offer guidance to policymakers, investors, and researchers for further developing and improving the usability of the route as a transportation alternative.