Russia’s Dagestan builds road access to Makhachkala Caspian trade hub

Construction has begun on a new access road leading to the Makhachkala Commercial Sea Port in Dagestan, with the project valued at 7.9 billion roubles (approximately $100.2 million), said Dagestan's Prime Minister, Abdulmuslim Abdulmuslimov.

He said that the Makhachkala Commercial Sea Port is a key component of the Caspian transport network and an important link in the North–South Trans-Caspian route, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

“By the end of 2026, a dedicated access road to the port will be completed, with construction and installation works already underway.”

It should be noted that Makhachkala Commercial Sea Port (MCSP), situated on the Caspian Sea in Dagestan, is Russia’s sole ice-free and deep-water port in the region. It accommodates vessels up to 150 meters in length with drafts up to 4.5 meters, making it a pivotal node in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that links Russia with Iran, India, and the Middle East. 

The port boasts an annual cargo capacity of 8.3 million tonnes, including 6.5 million tonnes for bulk cargo and 1.8 million tonnes for dry cargo. Its infrastructure encompasses dry cargo terminals, oil product facilities, a grain terminal, and rail and ferry connections. Recent expansions have introduced the handling of potash fertilisers from Belarus and diesel exports to Iran. 

A significant modernisation initiative, slated for completion by 2027, includes constructing a new grain terminal with a 1.5 million-tonne annual capacity in collaboration with China’s Famsun Group. Additional upgrades involve building a 6.2 km access road, a railway sorting yard, and advanced customs inspection facilities. 

Following its privatisation under North-South JSC, the port is poised to triple its operational efficiency, enhancing its role as a strategic logistics hub for Russia’s southern trade routes.

By Aghakazim Guliyev