Future of Russia-Asia transport routes: issues and perspectives of the North – South ITC

The North – South International Transportation Corridor is a strategic infrastructure project designed to ensure efficient transport links among Russia, Iran, India, and other Eurasian countries. The idea of creating alternative routes that strengthen the Eurasian transport network originated in the 2000s, and this corridor was conceived as one of the key routes. The current state of the transportation corridor, its competitive advantages over traditional routes such as the Suez Canal, as well as existing infrastructural and administrative barriers have been analyzed. Its importance has been considered in the context of geopolitical competition and the desire of Russia to reduce dependence on similar Western routes. The main beneficiaries of implementing the North – South International Transportation Corridor will be export-oriented industries, including logistics companies from Central and South Asian countries. The study confirms the growth of freight traffic and investment activity, but highlights the need to modernize railway infrastructure, digitalize logistics, and harmonize customs procedures. The corridor is already showing a steady increase in interest from investors, freight forwarders, and national governments. In the long term, the project’s successful implementation can not only redistribute global cargo flows, but also strengthen Russia’s place in international trade.