Study on Development of the Trans-Asian Railway:Trans-Asian Railway in the North-South Corridor - Northern Europe to the Persian Gulf, 2001

This study identifies: (a) all feasible rail and land-cum-sea routes forming part of a network of routes connecting Northern Europe with the Persian Gulf through the Caucasus region, Central Asia and/or the Caspian sea; (b) the characteristics of these routes in terms of their lengths and the transit times they can reasonably offer, having due regard to average operating speeds as well as typical dwell times at border stations and transshipment points; and (c) the possible presence of operational restrictions which might impede the smooth flow of goods along the routes. It is hoped that the study will provide a useful source of reference for future planning by the respective governments, as well as concerned international institutions/agencies.