Russia Sends First Coal Shipment to India via North-South Corridor

On June 24, 2024, Russian Railways marked a historic milestone by dispatching two trains loaded with Kuzbass coal to India via the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC). This strategic initiative aims to enhance coal transportation from Russia to India, utilising a multimodal route spanning 7,200 kilometres from St. Petersburg to Mumbai. The journey began in the Kemerovo region in Siberia, traversing Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas. At the Turkmen-Iranian border, the coal was transferred onto wagons compatible with Iranian railways’ 1,435-millimetre gauge, a shift from Russia’s 1,520-millimetre standard. The final leg of the journey involves sea transport from Bandar Abbas to Mumbai.

The INSTC provides a significant alternative to the lengthy sea routes via the Suez Canal, reducing transit times from 45-60 days to 25-30 days. This corridor enhances connectivity between Europe, the Persian Gulf, and the Indian Ocean, fostering economic opportunities across India, Russia, Central Asia, and beyond. India’s keen interest in advancing this project is driven by the potential to open expansive markets and streamline trade logistics. The energy-rich Eurasian region, renowned for its vast resources, is set to play a pivotal role in the emerging geopolitical dynamics of Eurasia. The INSTC’s development continues, with ongoing construction in some sections to fully realise its potential as a robust trade corridor. This initiative underscores the collaborative efforts of the ten countries involved, aiming to enhance trade efficiency and economic growth across the region, reflecting shifts in international power and economic influence.