Научный доклад ID 2776 : 2026/1

This article presents a revolutionary concept for the future of rail transport viewed as a fully autonomous corridor. It is designed as an integrated system of infrastructure, technology, and logistics that promises to reduce delivery times between China and Europe by over 50% – from the current 30–40 days by sea to 15 days via a fully autonomous digital corridor. The essence of the concept lies in the creation of a pilot high-speed, safe, and energy-efficient rail corridor connecting Western China (Xinjiang) by land through Kazakhstan to Central Europe. The potential route passes through maritime and river transit points: Aktau (Kazakhstan), Baku (Azerbaijan), Poti (Georgia), Varna and Ruse (Bulgaria), with a final destination in Budapest (Hungary) and a branch to Belgrade (Serbia). The proposed concept represents a technological innovation based on three interconnected elements. The first is the infrastructure – a viaduct built from precast concrete segments, ensuring rapid assembly, minimal land use, high physical security, and a minimal environmental footprint. The second element comprises the means of transport – autonomous robotic electric platforms designed to carry standard containers with their own navigation systems. The system is managed by a Distributed Command and Control System (DCCS). The concept offers high material flow speed, predictability, physical security, reduced operating costs, and a lower carbon footprint, while simultaneously providing a strong stimulating effect on the economies along the route.

JEL Classification: L92, R41, O33, F50.