Turkmenistan, historically situated on the Great Silk Road, continues to develop its transport infrastructure and strengthen its transit potential. The country is regarded as a key hub for modern routes between Europe and Asia and is working to expand its trade and economic ties, reports TDH.

On 10 April, the ‘Mary–Turkmenabat’ section of the ‘Ashgabat–Turkmenabat’ high-speed motorway was officially opened. The Head of State attended the ceremony. The project forms part of a large-scale road construction programme and the strengthening of the transport system.

The ‘Ashgabat–Turkmenabat’ motorway is one of the country’s largest infrastructure projects. It ensures the rapid movement of transit cargo and connects the domestic road network with routes leading to the Asia-Pacific region. The route is designed to speed up transport and reduce logistics costs.

Turkmenistan regularly raises transport issues at the UN as well. The country advocates for the development of global transport cooperation. On Turkmenistan’s initiative, the UN General Assembly adopted a number of relevant resolutions, including the document on the ‘Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035)’, adopted on 15 December 2025.

Particular attention is being paid to the development of Central Asia as a transport hub on the Great Silk Road. Multimodal corridors are being established in the region, providing access to the Black and Baltic Seas, as well as to the countries of South and South-East Asia, including China, India and Pakistan.

Turkmenistan supports international initiatives, including the ‘Modal Highway for Central Asia’ project and the ‘Afghanistan–Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Turkey’ transport corridor. The country also participates in the TRACECA programme. The sector’s development is enshrined in long-term strategies — the socio-economic development programme up to 2026 and the national programme up to 2052. These provide for the modernisation of roads, growth in transit traffic and the expansion of logistics routes.

In 2025, construction also began on the ‘Turkmenbashi–Garabogaz–Kazakhstan’ border section, and the bridge across Garabogazköl Bay was opened. The project strengthens the region’s transport connectivity and opens up additional international routes.

At the same time, the transport fleet is being renewed and bus services modernised, including the purchase of new buses for the capital. Urban and regional transport systems are being developed, including in the new city of Arkadag.

Particular attention is being paid to the legal regulation of the sector and improving the quality of services. The Ministry of Road Transport of Turkmenistan is working to modernise standards and transport safety controls.

Overall, the country’s transport strategy is aimed at expanding transit opportunities, attracting investment and integrating into international logistics chains.