Article

Can the Middle Corridor Deliver?

Blanka Benkő-Kovács
Blanka Benkő-Kovács

Founder - Political Advisor, International Security and Defence Policy Expert

January 20, 2026

For the past few years, the Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), has referred to a practical idea: moving freight between Western China and Europe via Central Asia and the Caucasus, then through Türkiye – mainly by rail, with a maritime leg in the middle.

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For the past few years, the "Middle Corridor", also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), has referred to a practical idea: moving freight between Western China and Europe via Central Asia and the Caucasus, then through Türkiye – mainly by rail, with a maritime leg in the middle.

In a world plagued by constant turmoil, the route offers an opportunity to bypass Russia and somewhat reduce dependence on the Suez Canal. Since 2022, the importance of the Corridor and the international attention it has received have increased. Yet the question arises: can this route really deliver?

Topics

Middle Corridor
Transport
China
Europe
Caucasus
Türkiye
Geopolitics
Can the Middle Corridor Deliver?