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Abstract

As the global transport landscape undergoes profound realignments, Central Asia is no longer just a passageway — it is becoming the strategic heartbeat of Eurasian connectivity. The strategic significance of Central Asia as a pivotal land bridge between East and West has grown considerably in recent years, particularly against the backdrop of shifting global supply chains, geopolitical tensions, and a rising demand for alternative trade routes. This study explores the evolving landscape of logistic corridors traversing the Central Asian region, analyzing their current realities, systemic barriers, and future strategic potential. As the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), and the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) gain momentum, Central Asia is emerging as a critical nexus of intercontinental connectivity.

Through a multidisciplinary lens combining geopolitical analysis, transport economics, and regional development studies, this paper assesses the performance and competitiveness of newly established and revitalized transport corridors. It examines key infrastructural advancements, policy frameworks, and regional cooperation mechanisms that are shaping the logistics architecture across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and their transit partners. Special attention in the study is given to the growing role of Iran as a strategic gateway linking Central Asia to the Persian Gulf and South Asia, highlighting its contribution to the diversification of trade flows and reduction of dependency on northern transit routes.

The analysis identifies a range of structural and operational barriers that continue to hinder corridor efficiency, including inadequate cross-border harmonization, customs bottlenecks, lack of unified regulatory standards, and investment asymmetries. In addition, the study considers the impact of sanctions, regional conflicts, and infrastructural gaps on corridor sustainability and competitiveness.

Despite these challenges, the paper argues that with targeted policy reforms, enhanced regional coordination, and increased public-private investment, Central Asia holds significant potential to become a resilient and diversified logistics hub. It provides a forward-looking strategic outlook, offering policy recommendations for optimizing multimodal transport systems, strengthening institutional capacities, and fostering greater economic integration.

Ultimately, this research contributes to the academic and policy discourse on the future of transcontinental logistics and connectivity, positioning Central Asia not merely as a transit zone, but as an active agent in the reconfiguration of global transport networks. The findings are particularly relevant to decision-makers, international donors, and infrastructure developers seeking to harness the geopolitical and economic advantages of the region's emerging corridors.