Container trains transporting goods from PRC to Europe are experiencing significant delays due to increased Russian inspections aimed at “dual use” items. Previously known as the fastest and most dependable overland route, this corridor is now facing extensive inspections and administrative holdups. As shippers seek alternative pathways, attention is shifting to the potential of the Middle Corridor or CAREC Corridor 2.
The Situation
Since October 2024, Russia’s Directive No. 1374 has led to strict Customs inspections on a wide range of dual-use products—machinery, electronics, camouflage clothing—moving on PRC-Europe express trains. According to data from Asian Development Bank’s CAREC Corridor Performance Monitoring and Measurement (CPMM), shipment delays have averaged close to 200 hours as containers wait for inspection, with hubs like Smolensk seeing an unprecedented number of pulled containers. Some goods are outright confiscated.
Delays1 to Xian-Hamburg Express Container Train by Russian Customs, in hours
| Month | Sample Container 1 | Sample Container 2 | Sample Container 3 | Sample Container 4 | Sample Container 5 | Average (hr) |
| August 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| September 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| After Russian Customs Inspection | ||||||
| November 2024 | 170 | 220 | 150 | 160 | 190 | 178 |
| December 2024 | 180 | 170 | 240 | 150 | 170 | 182 |
Similarly, Russian interference has severely degraded the end-to-end speed2 of these container trains that grew rapidly until the imposition of sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Comparison of Xian-Hamburg Express Container Train Speed Two Months Before and After Russian Customs Inspection
| Month | Sample Container 1 | Sample Container 2 | Sample Container 3 | Sample Container 4 | Sample Container 5 | Average (km/hr) |
| August 2024 | 32.26 | 33.31 | 32.57 | 31.72 | 32.91 | 32.55 |
| September 2024 | 33.08 | 33.84 | 32.86 | 32.63 | 33.80 | 33.24 |
| After Russian Customs Inspection | ||||||
| November 2024 | 23.05 | 21.36 | 22.57 | 24.76 | 22.04 | 22.76 |
| December 2024 | 24.37 | 24.56 | 20.07 | 22.91 | 23.72 | 23.13 |
The once-booming Northern Corridor is quickly losing favor, with freight volumes plummeting and shippers racing to reroute mixed loads or sensitive cargo via the Middle Corridor, or even return to slower sea transport
Recent developments present an opportunity for the Middle Corridor—which connects PRC, Kazakhstan, the Caspian region, and Türkiye—to become a viable alternative to the traditional Northern route. To take advantage of this potential, regional governments, port, vessel and rail operators are advised to respond in a timely manner. Recommended actions include:
- Identifying root causes of bottlenecks and service failures
- Streamlining processes and address operational inefficiencies
- Appointing a unified “corridor operator” to enhance end-to-end standards, timetables, rates, and international marketing
- Expanding throughput capacity and attracting more private investors
- Improving the efficiency and competitiveness of Trans-Caspian shipping
- Enhancing connections between rail, road, and maritime infrastructure
- Modernizing and harmonizing port and Customs procedures
Actions Underway
Infrastructure upgrades and digitalization are underway, but coordination is inconsistent. The ADB has formed a Middle Corridor working group to enhance transport connectivity, simplify cross border procedures, and increase capacity. Growing interest requires more investment in rolling stock, port equipment, and IT systems. Ongoing challenges include bureaucratic delays, legal inconsistencies, insufficient investor protection, and limited trust among governments.
A Game-Changer: PRC–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan Railway
June 2025 marked the start of construction on the long-awaited PRC–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan Railway, set for completion in 2030. This new link promises a direct connection between PRC and Uzbekistan, with extended reach to European markets via the Caspian and Türkiye. Uzbekistan is already ramping up maritime capacity for expected container surges, and Tajikistan aims to join in.
The momentum is real, as are the expectations on stakeholders to deliver.
If the current issues with the Middle Corridor are not addressed, shippers may return to slower sea routes, which could limit trade across Eurasia. However, if stakeholders address these challenges, the region has the potential to become an important Silk Road for the 21st century, supporting economic development and integration.
ADB’s engagement presents significant potential; however, achieving tangible outcomes depends on decisive and sustained regional cooperation and integration. Prompt action is essential to realize these opportunities.