Global transit: key outcomes of the TITR meeting in Bulgaria

15-09-2026

A delegation from JSC "NC "KTZ", led by Yerlan Koishibayev, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of JSC "NC "KTZ", participated in the meeting of the Working Group on the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) in Bulgaria.

For reference: The Working Group of the International Association "Trans-Caspian International Transport Route" (TITR) is a permanent working body of the association engaged in the coordination and development of the Middle Corridor. Having launched its active operations in 2017, the association unites 11 countries and 26 leading companies, including railway administrations, ports, shipping, and logistics enterprises.

The event brought together leading experts and executives from the transport and logistics industry to formulate strategic decisions aimed at developing the TITR.

The members of the Working Group analyzed the report on cargo transportation volumes along the TITR route for the first eight months of 2026, noting steady growth dynamics and high demand for the corridor on the international stage. A special place in the discussion was given to the review of new regulatory mechanisms designed to bring container transportation to a new level of efficiency and reliability. In particular, the parties considered draft versions of critical documents: the Agreement on Interaction and Liability Measures in Organizing Cargo Transportation as Part of Container Trains Using Specialized Vessels, as well as the Agreement on Ensuring Guaranteed Loading of These Container Vessels.

A comprehensive approach to the development of the corridor also touched upon general topical issues of cargo transportation and the formation of a competitive tariff policy. Experts reviewed tariff rate plans for 2027 for the transportation of general cargo and containers, aiming to create the most attractive commercial conditions for shippers.

The participants also discussed current matters aimed at developing transportation along the route. In particular, increasing container transit from China along the TITR to 600 trains in 2026 and to 800–1,000 trains in 2027, attracting an additional maritime fleet to the route, and the operation of berths in the Caspian Sea seaports.

Furthermore, the delegates exchanged views on a number of operational issues, confirming a common commitment to synergy, process digitalization, and the strengthening of a seamless, secure, and high-tech transport corridor between Asia and Europe.

For reference: Based on the results of the first 8 months of 2026, the volume of transit transportation along the TITR amounted to 44.2 thousand TEU (including 419 container trains from China). Compared to the same period in 2025, container transportation volume grew by 58%, and the number of container trains increased by 84%. During the 8 months of 2025, 28 thousand TEU and 228 container trains were transported.

Press service of JSC «NC«Kazakhstan Temir Zholy»