View source for North–South Transport Corridor

{{Infobox road
| name              = International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC)
| header_type       = 
| map               = North South Transport Corridor (NSTC).jpg
| map_alt           = Map of NSTC with drawn lines for overland and maritime routes
| map_notes         = North South Transport Corridor route via [[India]], [[Iran]], [[Azerbaijan]] and [[Russia]]
| location          = Eurasia
| length_mi         = 4500
| direction_a       = North
| direction_b       = South
| terminus_a        = [[Astrakhan]], [[Moscow]], [[Baku]]
| terminus_b        = [[Mumbai]]
| junction          = [[Bandar Abbas]], [[Tehran]], [[Bandar Anzali]] 
}}

The '''International North–South Transport Corridor''' (INSTC) is a 7,200 km long<ref name=ET-Apr1/> multi-mode network of [[ship transport|ship]], [[railways|rail]], and [[road transport|road]] route for moving freight between [[India]], [[Russia]], [[Iran]], [[Europe]] and [[Central Asia]]. The route primarily involves moving [[freight]] from [[India]], [[Iran]], [[Azerbaijan]] and [[Russia]] via ship, rail and road.<ref name="The Hindu">{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/despite-us-opposition-iran-to-be-transport-hub-for-northsouth-corridor/article3473943.ece |title=Despite U.S. opposition, Iran to be transport hub for North-South Corridor |work=The Hindu |date=31 May 2015 |accessdate=11 April 2015}}</ref> The objective of the corridor is to increase [[Trade|trade connectivity]] between major cities such as [[Mumbai]], [[Moscow]], [[Tehran]], [[Baku]], [[Bandar Abbas]], [[Astrakhan]], [[Bandar Anzali]], etc.<ref name="Russia & India Report">{{cite news |url=http://in.rbth.com/articles/2012/11/29/north-south_transport_corridor_offers_many_opportunities_for_indo-ru_19421.html |title=Transport Corridor offers many opportunities for Indo-Russian trade |work=Russia & India Report |date=29 November 2012 |accessdate=11 April 2015}}</ref> [[Dry run (testing)|Dry run]]s of two routes were conducted in 2014, the first was Mumbai to Baku via Bandar Abbas and the second was Mumbai to Astrakhan via Bandar Abbas, Tehran and Bandar Anzali. The objective of the study was to identify and address key [[Traffic bottleneck|bottleneck]]s.<ref name="Dry Run Study of INSTC Trade Route">{{cite news |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/government-press-release/dry-run-study-of-instc-trade-route-115032000589_1.html |title=Dry Run Study of INSTC Trade Route |work=Business Standard |date=20 March 2015 |accessdate=11 April 2015}}</ref><ref name="thehindu.com">{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/lead-article-iran-deal-spells-good-tidings-for-india/article7085906.ece |title=Iran deal spells good tidings for India |work=The Hindu |date=10 April 2015 |accessdate=11 April 2015}}</ref> The results showed [[Cost of transport|transport costs]] were reduced by "$2,500 per 15 tons of cargo".<ref name="thehindu.com"/> Other routes under consideration include via [[Kazakhstan]] and [[Turkmenistan]].

This will also synchronize with the [[Ashgabat agreement]], a [[Multimodal transport]] agreement signed by [[India]], [[Oman]], [[Iran]], [[Turkmenistan]], [[Uzbekistan]] and [[Kazakhstan]], for creating an [[Transport corridor|international transport and transit corridor]] facilitating transportation of goods between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf.<ref>[http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Hans-Classroom/2016-03-24/Ashgabat-Agreement/215932 The Hans India - India accedes to Ashgabat agreement]</ref>

==Objectives==
[[File:Mumbai Downtown.jpg|thumb|right|[[Mumbai]] is the Southern hub on the NSTC]]
[[File:Bandarabbas-sahel-2.jpg|thumb|right|[[Bandar Abbas]] is a major port on the NSTC]]
[[File:Московский международный деловой центр «Москва-Сити» 14.07.2014.jpg|thumb|right|[[Moscow]] is the Northern hub on the NSTC]]

The primary objective of the NSTC project is to reduce costs in terms of time and money over the traditional route currently being used.<ref name="The Hindu"/><ref name="in.rbth.com">{{cite news |url=http://in.rbth.com/articles/2012/03/14/the_north-south_corridor_prospects_of_multilateral_trade_in_eurasia_15134.html |title=The North-South corridor: Prospects of multilateral trade in Eurasia |work=Russia & India Report |date=14 March 2012 |accessdate=15 July 2015}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite news |url=http://in.rbth.com/articles/2012/11/29/north-south_transport_corridor_offers_many_opportunities_for_indo-ru_19421.html |title=Transport Corridor offers many opportunities for Indo-Russian trade |work=Russia & India Report |date=29 November 2012 |accessdate=15 July 2015}}</ref><ref name="The Diplomat">{{cite news |url=http://thediplomat.com/2015/05/an-opportunity-for-india-in-central-asia/ |title=An Opportunity for India in Central Asia |work=The Diplomat |date= 4 May 2015 |accessdate=15 July 2015}}</ref> Analysts predict by having improved [[transport|transport connectivity]] between [[Russia]], [[Central Asia]], [[Iran]] and [[India]] their respective [[bilateral trade]] volumes will increase.<ref name="The Hindu"/><ref name="in.rbth.com"/><ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref name="The Diplomat"/> A study conducted by the Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India found the route is, "30% cheaper and 40% shorter than the current traditional route".<ref name="The Diplomat"/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dailyshippingtimes.com/news-upload/upload/fullnews.php?fn_id=9490 |title=Indian Delegation visit's Iran on International North South Transport Corridor Study for new potential routes to Russia and CIS destinations |work=Daily Shipping Times |date= 16 January 2015 |accessdate=15 July 2015}}</ref> Analysts predict the corridor is likely to increase [[Trade|trade connectivity]] between major cities such as [[Mumbai]], [[Moscow]], [[Tehran]], [[Baku]], [[Bandar Abbas]], [[Astrakhan]], [[Bandar Anzali]] etc.<ref name="Russia & India Report"/>

===History===

Russia, Iran and India signed the agreement for the NSTC project on the 16th of May 2002.<ref name="in.rbth.com"/><ref name="rajeshPaperHiTech">Tembarai Krishnamachari, Rajesh. [http://www.southasiaanalysis.org/paper829 "Entente Tri-parti : Triangular Alliances Involving India"],  [[South Asia Analysis Group]], Paper 829, Nov 2003.</ref> All three countries are founding member states on the project. Other important member states include [[Azerbaijan]], [[Armenia]], [[Kazakhstan]] and [[Belarus]] with other states having varying levels of involvement.<ref name="in.rbth.com"/> Azerbaijan is heavily involved in the project currently building new train lines and roads to complete missing links in the NSTC.<ref name="Trend News">{{cite news |url=http://en.trend.az/business/economy/2313106.html |title=Qazvin-Rasht-Astara railway to be commissioned in early 2015 |work=Trend News |date=18 September 2015 |accessdate=15 July 2015}}</ref> [[Turkmenistan]] currently is not a formal member but is likely to have road connectivity to the corridor.<ref name="Indian Express">{{cite news |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/business/news/PM-Modi-Proposes-Membership-in-International-North-South-Transport-Corridor-for-Turkmenistan/2015/07/11/article2914796.ece |title=PM Modi Proposes Membership in International North South Transport Corridor for Turkmenistan |work=Indian Express |date= 11 July 2015 |accessdate=15 July 2015}}</ref> [[Narendra Modi|Prime Minister Modi]] during a state visit to Turkmenistan formally invited it to become a member state on the project, "I also proposed that Turkmenistan becomes a member of the International North South Transport Corridor."<ref name="Indian Express"/>

===Member States===

The following are member states in the NSTC project: {{IND}}, {{IRN}}, {{RUS}}, {{TUR}}, {{AZE}}, {{KAZ}}, {{ARM}}, {{BLR}}, {{TJK}}, {{KGZ}}, {{OMA}}, {{UKR}}, {{BUL}}, {{EST}}.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.instc-org.ir/Pages/Home_Page.aspx |title=About International North South Transport Corridor |work=International North South Transport Corridor |date=|accessdate=15 July 2015}}</ref>

==Azerbaijan road and rail routes==

The NSTC route through Azerbaijan allows India-Iran-Azerbaijan-Russia-Kazakhstan transport connectivity. Iran started construction work to complete the missing link of the Qazvin-Rasht-Astara road and railway (205&nbsp;km) including the Rasht-Astara section (164&nbsp;km).<ref name="The Hindu"/><ref name="Trend News"/> It involves construction of 369&nbsp;km of bridges and railway line to link the southern sections to the northern ones. Once completed, 22 new tunnels and 15 bridges will have been added to the route.<ref name="Trend News"/>

On January 7, 2017, it was announced that Rasht-Astara section of rail route was alredy completed in 2016, the remaining construction of Qazvin to Rasht rail rote is 90% complete and will be completed within 2017, construction on the remaining Rasht-Astara section of road would also start in 2017.<ref>http://azertag.az/en/xeber/_039Construction_of_Rasht_Astara_railway_to_be_launched_this_year_039-1024897</ref>

==Chabahar NSTC Integration==

[[File:Launch Boat 2.jpg|thumb|Boats anchored in Chabahar Bay.]]

India and Iran have a long-standing agreement, signed in 2002, to develop [[Port of Chabahar|Chabahar]] into full deep sea port.<ref name="The Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst">{{cite news |url=http://www.cacianalyst.org/publications/analytical-articles/item/13099-india-to-invest-in-irans-chabahar-port.html |title=India to Invest in Iran's Chabahar Port |work=The Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst |date=26 November 2014 |accessdate=11 April 2015}}</ref> [[Bandar Abbas]] port handles 85% of Iran's seaborne trade and is highly congested.<ref name="The Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst"/> Whereas, Chabahar has high capacity with plans to expand it from its current capacity of 2.5 million to 12.5 million tons annually.<ref name="The Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst"/><ref name="The Jerusalem Post">{{cite news |url=http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Op-Ed-Contributors/Irans-Chabahar-port-transforms-its-position-337167 |title=Iran’s Chabahar port transforms its position |work=The Jerusalem Post |date=1 May 2014 |accessdate=11 April 2015}}</ref> Unlike Bandar Abbas, Chabahar has the ability to handle [[cargo ship]]s bigger than 100,000 tons.<ref name="The Jerusalem Post"/> Industry Analysts have highlighted there are long term plans to integrate Chabahar with the NSTC, "India is also eyeing trade with Europe via Chabahar port and the International North-South Transport Corridor".<ref name="The Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst"/>

==Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway link operationalized==
[[File:A newly constructed railway station in Bereket city, October 2013.jpg|thumb|244px|[[Bereket Railway Station]] in (''[[Kazandzhik]]'') is an important crossroad of the [[Trans-Caspian Railway]] and North-South Transnational Railway.]]
The Kazakhstan - Turkmenistan - Iran railway link, completed and operationalized in 2014, also known as North–South Transnational Corridor, is a {{convert|677|km|0|abbr=on}} long railway line connecting [[Kazakhstan]] and [[Turkmenistan]] with [[Iran]] and the [[Persian Gulf]]. It links [[Uzen, Kazakhstan|Uzen]] in Kazakhstan with [[Bereket]] - [[Gyzyletrek|Etrek]] in Turkmenistan and ends at [[Gorgan]] in Iran's Golestan province. In Iran, the railway will be linked to national network making its way to the ports of the Persian Gulf.<ref name="North-South Transnational Corridor">{{cite web |url=http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/northsouthtransnatio/ |title=North-South Transnational Corridor |publisher=railway-technology.com|date= |accessdate=2014-03-25}}</ref>

The project is estimated to cost $620m which is being jointly funded by the governments of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Iran.<ref name="North-South Transnational Corridor"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/projects-infrastructure/single-view/view/presidents-open-kazakhstan-to-turkmenistan-rail-link.html|accessdate=20 May 2013|title=Presidents open Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan rail link |work=[[Railway Gazette International]]}}</ref>

The project also aims to create a multimodal transport system to provide seamless connectivity in the region for passenger travel as well. The North-South Transnational Corridor will run up to {{convert|137|km|0|abbr=on}} in Kazakhstan, {{convert|470|km|0|abbr=on}} in Turkmenistan and {{convert|70|km|0|abbr=on}} in Iran.

Work in Turkmenistan commenced in [[Bereket]] in December 2007 and in Kazakhstan in July 2009.

A {{convert|311|km|0|abbr=on}} section between Bereket and [[Uzen, Kazakhstan|Uzen]] in Turkmenistan is being financed by the [[Asian Development Bank]] (ADB). A  memorandum of understanding was signed between ADB and the Turkmenistan government in February 2010, for a $350m loan as a special fund for technical assistance. The project loan was for the installation of signalling and communication equipment on the ongoing railway line, procurement of equipment and maintenance facilities, consulting, and for the management and supervision of construction. The project also received a loan of $371.2m from the [[Islamic Development Bank]] in July 2010. In May 2013, a Bereket – Uzen section has been completed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/news-in-brief-52.html?sword_list%5B%5D=Bereket&no_cache=1 |title=Caspian rail corridor funds agreed |publisher=Railwaygazette.com|date= |accessdate=2010-02-23}}</ref>

In February 2014, {{convert|256|km|0|abbr=on}} long section between Bereket and [[Gyzyletrek|Etrek]] has been constructed. Currently, railway stations along the new railway are being constructed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.turkmenbusiness.org/news/zaversheno-stroitelstvo-uchastka-bereket-etrek-magistrali-kazakhstan%E2%80%93turkmenistan%E2%80%93iran |title=Завершено строительство участка Берекет - Этрек магистрали Казахстан–Туркменистан–Иран |publisher=Turkmen Business |date= |accessdate=2014-03-10}}</ref>

[[Bereket|Bereket city]] (''[[Kazandjik]]'') is strategically important railway crossroad of the [[Trans-Caspian Railway]] ([[Caspian Sea]], [[Turkmenistan]], [[Uzbekistan]] and eastern [[Kazakhstan]]) and North-South Transnational Railway. The city has a large [[locomotive]] repair depot and a modern passenger and freight railway station.

In December 2014 the railway opened.<ref>[http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/12/03/turkmenistan-railway-idINKCN0JH1Q820141203 Landlocked Central Asia gets shorter railway link to Persian Gulf]</ref>

== Armenia-Iran Railway Concession (Southern Armenia Railway or North-South Railway Corridor) ==
As of April 2017, the project remains only on paper and has no financier as the economic feasibility is doubtful, though Armenia continues to try to find sponsors and private investors too make the project economically more viable.<ref>[http://arka.am/en/news/business/armenia_tries_to_attract_private_investors_into_construction_of_armenia_iran_railway_link/ Armenia tries to attract private investors into construction of Armenia- Iran railway link]</ref>

On July 28, 2012, a concession agreement was awarded to Dubai-based Rasia FZE (a Rasia Group investment company) for the feasibility, design, financing, construction and operation of a new railway link between Armenia and Iran having an operating period of 30 years, with a right of extension for another 20 years. The Armenia-Iran railway is called the Southern Armenia Railway project, which forms the key missing link in the International [[North-South Transport Corridor]] between the [[Black Sea]] and the [[Persian Gulf]]. Prior to the feasibility study being completed, the Southern Armenia Railway was anticipated to be a 316&nbsp;km railway linking [[Gavar]], 50&nbsp;km east of Yerevan near Lake Sevan, with the Iranian border near [[Meghri]].<ref>{{cite news | title=Dubai-based Investment Company, Rasia, Awarded $3 Billion Railway and High Speed Road Projects in Armenia| publisher = PR Newswire | date=2013-01-24| url = http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dubai-based-investment-company-rasia-awarded-3-billion-railway-and-high-speed-road-projects-in-armenia-188188411.html|accessdate = 2013-01-24}}</ref>

On 24 January 2013, during an announcement and press conference, the previously signed concession agreement was announced and a separate tripartite memorandum of understanding was signed in [[Yerevan]] by Rasia FZE, Russian Railways ([[RZD]]) subsidiary South Caucasus Railway, and the government of the Republic of Armenia concerning technical cooperation, investment, and the future operation of the Southern Armenia Railway. Rasia FZE announced its appointment of [[China Communications Construction Company]] as the "lead member of the development consortium" for the project and the commencement of the feasibility study.<ref>{{cite news | title=Agreement signed on Armenia – Iran rail link | publisher = International railway Journal| date=2013-01-24 | url = http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/news/agreement-signed-on-armenia-%E2%80%93-iran-rail-link.html||accessdate = 2013-10-08}}</ref>

Following a meeting on 3 September 2013 with [[Serzh Sargsyan]], the President of the Republic of Armenia, President [[Vladimir Putin]] of the Russian Federation stated that Russian Railways can invest about RUB 15 billion in the development of the Armenian Railway.<ref>{{cite news | title=RZD can invest RUB 15 billion in development of Armenian Railway| publisher = RZD Partner.com | date=2013-09-07| url = http://www.rzd-partner.com/news/investment/rzd-can-invest-rub-15-billion-in-development-of-armenian-railway/|accessdate = 2013-10-08}}</ref>

In mid-September 2013, Rasia FZE announced in a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister [[Tigran Sargsyan]] the achievement of a key milestone for the Southern Armenia Railway, including the release of a highly favorable feasibility study and the recommended railway design route from [[China Communications Construction]] Company.  Having reached this key milestone, Rasia FZE moved to secure essential regional cooperation for the financing, construction and operation stages of the project.  The feasibility study results indicated that the Southern Armenia Railway would cost approximately US $3.5 billion to construct, have a length of 305 kilometers from Gagarin to Agarak, and provide a base operating capacity of 25 million tons per annum. The railway will have 84 bridges spanning 19.6 kilometers and 60 tunnels of 102.3 kilometers, comprising 40% of the total project length.<ref>{{cite news | title=Rasia Announces Achievement of Key Milestone for Southern Armenia Railway in Meeting with Armenian Prime Minister| publisher = RZD Partner.com | date=2013-09-15| url = http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rasia-announces-achievement-of-key-milestone-for-southern-armenia-railway-in-meeting-with-armenian-prime-minister-223792861.html|accessdate = 2013-10-08}}</ref>

As the key missing link in the International North–South Transport Corridor, the Southern Armenia Railway would create the shortest transportation route from the ports of the [[Black Sea]] to the ports of the Persian Gulf. The Southern Armenia Railway would establish a major commodities transit corridor between Europe and the Persian Gulf region, based on traffic volume forecasts of 18.3 million tons per annum. At completion of railway construction and commencement of operations, transport costs and times for the region are expected to improve substantially, fostering greater regional trade and economic growth with extraordinary direct benefits for the Armenian economy including an alleviation of the economic pressures caused by the blockade against Armenia by Turkey and Azerbaijan due to Armenia's occupation of Azerbaijan lands.

== Astara port inaugurated ==
[[File:Ship Astara Port.jpg|thumb|right|The port of [[Astara, Iran|Astara]] has been integrated with the NSTC]]
In March 2013 [[Iran]] inaugurated the [[port]] of [[Astara, Iran|Astara]] located south west of the [[Caspian Sea]]. The new Astara port was a joint venture between a private company and Iran State port and maritime organisation reported by PressTV. The port has been integrated with the NSTC to improve its maritime connectivity across the Caspian Sea.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.azernews.az/business/91581.html |title=North-South corridor to reduce cargo delivery period |work=Azer News |date=13 Jan 2016 |accessdate=24 April 2016}}</ref> Iran has invested 22 million dollars in the port and plan to increase investment by 10% to expand the port. The Current capacity is 600,000 tons but there is plans to increase this to 3 million tons. [[Commonwealth of Independent States]] (CIS) are the main producers of grains which will be exported to Africa through Iran Bandar Abbas port. The port will allow Russian goods to reach inland provinces of Iran faster and cheaper. Product from [[Russia]], [[Azerbaijan]], [[Kazakhstan]], [[Turkmenistan]] can be sent to India through Iran's [[Bandar Abbas]] port which is the fastest way to reach [[India]].

==Trans-Iranian canal==
The idea of linking the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea by a canal was developed already in the late 19th century.<ref name=sputnik >{{cite news |url=http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160326/1037016111/iran-caspian-persian-gulf.html| author= |title=Iran's 'Suez Canal': Tehran Could Connect Caspian Sea and Persian Gulf |publisher=[[Sputnik News]] |date=March 3, 2016 |accessdate=April 8, 2016}}</ref> In 2016 [[Russia Today]] reported that the Russian and Iranian governments were discussing the project.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.rt.com/business/338901-russia-iran-caspian-canal/|
title=Russia & Iran negotiate canal from Caspian Sea to Persian Gulf | publisher=Russia Today |date=April 8, 2016| accessdate=April 8, 2016}}</ref>

==Bottleneck study of 2014==

[[Dry run (testing)|Dry run]]s of two routes were conducted in 2014, the first was Mumbai to Baku via Bandar Abbas and the second was Mumbai to Astrakhan via Bandar Abbas, Tehran and Bandar Anzali. The objective of the study was to identify and address key [[Traffic bottleneck|bottleneck]]s.<ref name="Dry Run Study of INSTC Trade Route"/><ref name="thehindu.com"/> The results showed [[Cost of transport|transport costs]] were reduced by "$2,500 per 15 tons of cargo".<ref name="thehindu.com"/> Other routes under consideration include via [[Kazakhstan]] and [[Turkmenistan]].

==Current Status==
A dry run of container movement via the green corridor will be conducted during April 2017 to test and verify the smooth customs facilitation, connecting India with Russia and Europe via Iran.<ref name=ET-Apr1>[http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/57980716.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppsthttp://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/shipping-/-transport/india-eurasia-road-almost-ready-container-dry-run-soon/articleshow/57980716.cms India-Eurasia road almost ready, container dry run soon; Publication: economictimes.indiatimes.com; Published on: 3 April 2017; Accessed on: 4 April 2017]</ref>

==See also==
*[[Asian Highway Network]]
*[[Transport in India]]
*[[Transport in Russia]]
*[[Transport in Iran]]
*[[Transport in Azerbaijan]]
*[[Transport in Turkmenistan]]

== External links ==
*{{cite news |url= |title=Russia wants to boost transport cooperation with Caspian states – minister |last=''[[BBC Monitoring]]'' |date=April 2, 2009}}
*{{cite news |url= |title=Russia may take part in Kazakh–Turkmen–Iran railway project |last=''[[BBC Monitoring]]'' |date=December 9, 2008}}
*{{cite news |url= |title=Iranian, Russian railway officials sign cooperation accord |last=''[[BBC Monitoring]]'' |date=November 5, 2006}}
*{{cite news |url= |title=Armenia to join North–South transport corridor |last=''[[BBC Monitoring]]'' |date=December 15, 2005}}
*{{cite news |url= |title=Trade route of the future? India, Iran and Russia are pushing a North–South Transportation Corridor to reach Northern Europe |work=[[The Journal of Commerce]] |first=Gordon |last=Feller |page=26 |date=April 21, 2003}}
*{{cite news |url= |title=Iran/India: Iran, India Consult on North–South Corridor |last=''Thai Press Reports'' |date=October 27, 2009}}
*{{cite news |url= |title=Connectivity between Central & South Asia: Vision to catalyze peace and warm relations by bridging trade relations  |last='Nitin Jain, Rising IAS Academy'' |date=October 27, 2009}}
*{{cite news |url= |title=Iran opens new gateway between North-South Transportation Corridor  |last='Presstv'' |date=March 10, 2013}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:North-South Transport Corridor}}
[[Category:Transport in Turkmenistan]]
[[Category:Rail transport in Turkmenistan]]
[[Category:Railway lines in Turkmenistan]]
[[Category:Rail transport in Russia]]
[[Category:Economic history of Russia]]
[[Category:Economy of Iran]]
[[Category:Economic integration]]
[[Category:Transnationalism]]
[[Category:Rail transport in Asia]]
[[Category:Rail transport in Europe]]
[[Category:Rail cooperatives]]
[[Category:Rail freight transport]]
[[Category:International railway lines]]
[[Category:International rail transport]]
[[Category:Passenger rail transport]]
[[Category:Transport in India]]
[[Category:Transport in Iran]]
[[Category:Caspian Sea]]
[[Category:International road networks]]
[[Category:Shipping routes]]
[[Category:Caucasus]]
[[Category:Economy of Central Asia]]
[[Category:Road transport in Asia]]
[[Category:Road transport in Europe]]
[[Category:Transport in Central Asia]]
[[Category:Trade routes]]