Railways of Central Asia - present and future

Central Asia has a vast railway network largely inherited from the Soviet era. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, each of the five Central Asian states have been focusing on repairing, modernising and building new rail connections. The railway projects have largely been carried out with the involvement of Russia and China. But also international development banks have increased their role in supporting the development and modernisation of railway infrastructure as well as an increase in US, German, French and Spanish rolling stock manufacturers present in the region.

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan has the largest and most developed railway networks.

There is a lot to unpack and a variety of different elements to focus on, from Eurasian Economic Union custom rules, wagon certification processes, to axle loads, gauges, modernisation plans and international transport corridor projects.

To start this section off and begin the process of sharing my notes and analysis, below I have summarised the key railway projects - present and planned-that are happening in Central Asia. I have also included a table summarising the broader transport corridor projects that these railway projects form a part of.