Turkmenistan has secured $953.2 million in investments for transportation projects, with 77.5% of the funds already utilized, said Dovran Saburov, Chairman of Türkmenhowaýollary (Turkmen Airlines), at the International Conference International Transport and Transit Corridors: Connectivity and Development (ITTC 2024) held in Ashgabat on November 26–27, News Central Asia reported.

Saburov highlighted Turkmenistan’s active partnerships with international financial institutions, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Asian Development Bank, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the Export-Import Bank of China, to secure funding for transportation infrastructure. He also stressed the importance of government investments aimed at creating a sustainable transportation infrastructure. The Turkmen government has provided $3.6 billion in loans with state guarantees to transportation enterprises.

Saburov outlined significant direct investments by the government in transportation projects, amounting to $4.64 billion. The largest portions of the funds went to developing Turkmen Airlines, railroads, and road transport.

The discussion focused on adopting energy-efficient transportation systems, including electric cars and buses currently in use in Arkadag. Participants also explored projects aimed at developing intelligent transportation systems to enhance traffic management through artificial intelligence.

Turkmenistan’s transport strategy centers on international corridors, including North-South, East-West, and the Southern Corridor. The country continues to expand the Lapis Lazuli transit corridor connecting Afghanistan, Türkiye, and Europe. Infrastructure projects under this initiative include the Serhetabat-Turgundi railway, a new railway bridge, and ongoing work on fiber-optic lines and warehouse facilities.

Turkmenistan actively enhances its aviation infrastructure by modernizing international airports and introducing new routes. These efforts have increased the number of commercial landings by foreign airlines and overflights by international aircraft.