On March 25, 2026, a scientific and practical conference titled “Problems of Development of the International Transport Corridor North–South: Logistics, Political, Economic, Environmental, and Sanctions Aspects” was held in Moscow.

The event brought together a wide range of experts to discuss cooperation under ongoing sanctions, the creation of new settlement systems, and environmental challenges in the Caspian region—one of the key elements of the international transport corridor. These issues are particularly relevant in the context of the ongoing conflict in Iran, which may significantly reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.

Among the speakers addressing transport development issues were Pavel Bochko, Head of the International Market Conditions Department at JSC “Institute for Transport Economics and Development” (IEDT), and Yuri Chashkov, Advisor on Water Transport at the All-Russian Society of Inventors and Innovators.

Need for New Routes In terms of railway transport, development is significantly constrained by the absence of a rail connection between the Iranian city of Rasht and Astara in Azerbaijan. According to Pavel Bochko, this link would enable seamless transportation along the entire corridor, but construction has not yet begun.

Although the eastern branch of the corridor is operational, it currently faces challenges related to insufficient return cargo flows. Addressing this issue could significantly reduce transportation costs.

Bochko also noted that imports of agricultural products are currently insufficient to balance trade between Russia and Iran.

The full article is available on the Caspian Today website.
Photo: press service of ANO SK "Caspian 2030".