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Transport

Turkmenistan’s Train and Bus Networks Reportedly Failing Passengers

Overcrowded trains and buses, often carrying passengers without tickets, have long been a feature of life in Turkmenistan, continuing to frustrate residents who rely on intercity transport. As reported by Chronicles of Turkmenistan, many had hoped for improvements following the dismissal of Deputy Prime Minister for Transport and Communications Mammetkhan Chakyev. However, in the three months since Batyr Annayev was appointed to the role, no meaningful progress has been observed in passenger transport services. Purchasing train or bus tickets online is possible only 7-10 days before departure. Closer to the travel date, passengers turn to ticket offices, but tickets are typically sold out. Meanwhile, intermediaries offer tickets at prices three to four times higher than official rates. For example, a train ticket from Ashgabat to the town of Yoloten costs around $8 at official counters, but resellers charge between $26 and $32 for the same ticket. The situation is even more pronounced for Dashoguz: an official seat in a sleeper-class carriage costs about $16, while tickets purchased through intermediaries can reach $58. Residents of Dashoguz region face the greatest challenges. There are reportedly no buses or taxis available. Only two trains run daily, which locals describe as critically insufficient. In contrast, buses and taxis operate to the towns of Bayramaly, Turkmenabat, and the city of Turkmenbashi. Nevertheless, trains on these routes remain heavily overcrowded, with passenger numbers exceeding capacity by 1.5 to 2 times. Those unable to obtain tickets online, at ticket offices, or through intermediaries often pay conductors directly. As a result, passengers occupy not only seats and berths but also stand or sit in vestibules, corridors, and even near toilets. According to the publication, the only noticeable change since Annayev took office has been a ban on carrying traditional Turkmen flatbread and govurma (fried, preserved meat) on international flights. While some restrictions existed previously, eyewitnesses reported that in the early days of his tenure, bins at Ashgabat airport were filled with confiscated food items prohibited from export.

Natural Gas

Turkmenistan Advances Galkynysh Gas Field Development to Increase Exports to China

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang and Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov, Tukmenistan's former President and the current Chairman of its highest representative body, the Halk Maslahaty, have launched the fourth phase of industrial development of the Galkynysh gas field in Mary region. Located about 400 km southeast of Ashgabat, the Galkynysh field has been producing natural gas since 2013 and is considered one of the world’s largest in terms of reserves. The British consulting firm GaffneyCline estimates the reserves of Galkynysh, together with the neighboring fields Garakol and Yashlar, at 27.4 trillion cubic meters of natural gas. On April 16, the State Concern Turkmengas and China’s CNPC Amudarya Petroleum Company Ltd. signed a contract for the turnkey construction of the fourth phase of the field’s development. The project includes the drilling of production wells and the construction of a gas processing facility with a capacity of 10 billion cubic meters of commercial gas per year. According to industry publication Nebit-Gaz, the Galkynysh field is being developed in phases. The first phase, which included the construction of three gas processing plants with a total capacity of 30 billion cubic meters per year, is currently operational. The second, third, and fourth phases are planned for the near future. Upon full development, the field’s gross annual production could reach nearly 200 billion cubic meters of natural gas. The Galkynysh field serves as the main resource base for Turkmen gas exports to China. China remains the largest buyer of Turkmen natural gas. Three lines (A, B, and C) of the Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline system currently deliver approximately 40 billion cubic meters of gas annually. With the planned commissioning of a fourth line (Line D), export volumes are expected to increase to around 65 billion cubic meters per year. The resource base of Galkynysh is a key factor in the planned construction of Line D, which is expected to significantly increase gas supplies to China. According to Guvanch Agajanov, Vice-Chairman of Turkmenistan's Cabinet of Ministers, total Turkmen gas exports to China have exceeded 462 billion cubic meters over the past 20 years. The Galkynysh field has also been designated as the resource base for the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, which is under construction and is expected to have a capacity of 33 billion cubic meters per year.

Russia's War in Ukraine

Over 12,600 Central Asians Identified in Russian Army

A Ukrainian state initiative has identified nearly 13,000 citizens from Central Asia who have signed contracts with Russia’s Defense Ministry and have served or are serving in the Russian army, according to data released by the “I Want to Live” project as part of the Ukraine-Central Asia Inquiry. As of 2026, the project reports it holds personal data on 12,666 individuals from the region. Uzbekistan accounts for the largest share, with 4,853 identified citizens. Tajikistan ranks second with 3,407 individuals, followed by Kazakhstan with 2,389 and Kyrgyzstan with at least 1,439. Turkmenistan has the lowest figure, with 578 identified nationals. The figures represent a sharp increase compared to 2025, when the same project reported around 5,740 individuals from Central Asia. At that time, it also began publishing named lists of recruits from each country who had joined Russia’s war in Ukraine. The issue remains sensitive across the region. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan prohibit their citizens from taking part in foreign conflicts, and several cases have been brought against individuals who returned after fighting abroad. Last year, speaking at the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum, Alexander Bastrykin, Chairman of the Investigative Committee of Russia, said authorities had identified 80,000 individuals who had avoided military registration. “We’ve registered them for military service, and about 20,000 of these ‘new’ Russian citizens, who for some reason no longer want to live in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, or Kyrgyzstan, are now on the front lines,” he said at the time. His remarks highlighted ongoing efforts to replenish military ranks, including through contract-based recruitment and incentives. Observers say such measures, alongside migration trends, may help explain the rising number of Central Asian nationals identified in the conflict.

Child Protection

Turkmenistan Develops First Child Protection Program

The government of Turkmenistan has begun developing its first National Program on Child Protection and Child-Friendly Justice, with technical support from UNICEF, according to a report published on April 15. Officials described the initiative as a major step toward strengthening systems that safeguard children’s rights. The process was formally launched during the first meeting of an interagency working group in Ashgabat. The group, coordinated by the Prosecutor General’s Office, includes representatives from 10 government bodies. Authorities said the program aims to establish a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach, focusing on family-based care for children without parental support, improving child justice systems, preventing violence, and strengthening overall protection mechanisms. “The development of this National Program demonstrates Turkmenistan’s commitment to protecting the rights of every child,” a representative of the Prosecutor General’s Office said. UNICEF’s representative in the country, Jalpa Ratna, welcomed the move, noting that it would help build “a more coordinated, family-oriented child protection system.” The draft program is expected to be completed by the end of the year following consultations with stakeholders, including children, families, and professionals. It will align with national legislation and international recommendations, including those from the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. Meanwhile, in Uzbekistan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has approved a series of measures aimed at expanding social protection and improving services for vulnerable groups. The reforms focus particularly on people with disabilities, children, and women affected by violence. Among the new initiatives is the introduction of an “Early Intervention” service for children up to the age of three with developmental disorders, scheduled to begin by June 1. The program will provide specialized educational and therapeutic support through non-governmental organizations. Authorities also plan to launch several new services for adults with mental disabilities, including daycare programs, home-based care, and short-term support options designed to assist families. These services are expected to reach more than 8,300 people in 2026, with up to 600 NGOs and private providers involved. A monthly care allowance will also be introduced for guardians of adults with severe intellectual disabilities starting in September 2026. In addition, Uzbekistan plans to expand the role of its “Inson” Social Service Centers, integrating them into local government structures and strengthening oversight of guardianship arrangements. Further reforms include transforming state-run residential institutions into community-oriented care centers, expanding tax exemptions for families of children with disabilities, and introducing stricter legal measures to protect minors from exploitation.

Climate Change

Central Asia’s Climate Risks Could Cost Up to 130% of GDP by 2080

By 2080, climate change is expected to have a profound impact on the economies of Central Asian countries, with potential losses ranging from 20% to 130% of GDP. The most severe effects are projected for mountainous nations. These estimates were presented at a CAREC technology forum by Iskandar Abdullaev, a senior research fellow at the International Water Management Institute in Uzbekistan. According to Abdullaev, climate change is no longer solely an environmental issue but an increasingly significant economic factor. Key risks include droughts and water scarcity, floods, heatwaves, and glacier melt. The projected economic impact varies across the region. Tajikistan could face losses of between 80% and 130% of GDP, Kyrgyzstan 70% to 120%, Kazakhstan 40% to 80%, Uzbekistan 30% to 45%, and Turkmenistan 20% to 60%. Abdullaev emphasized that mountainous countries – Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan – are particularly vulnerable, as climate change directly affects water resources. Glacier melt reduces river flows, creating challenges for both energy production and water supply. Droughts and extreme heat are already placing pressure on agriculture, with declining crop yields and reduced pasture productivity. Without adaptation measures, the region’s long-term sustainability could be at risk. Experts stress that mitigation and adaptation efforts are essential to reduce these risks. These include modernizing irrigation systems, adopting climate-resilient agricultural technologies, and expanding renewable energy capacity. This is not the only warning. According to the World Bank, natural disasters are already causing significant economic damage in Central Asia. Losses from extreme events, including floods and earthquakes, can reach up to 6% of GDP, with earthquakes alone accounting for up to $2 billion in damages. At the same time, countries in the region face substantial financing gaps following major disasters. In Tajikistan, this gap could reach up to $1.5 billion. Experts warn that climate change is likely to intensify these risks, further increasing the economic burden on the region.

Space Exploration

Russia Signals Readiness to Train Turkmen Cosmonaut

Russia is prepared to support the training of a Turkmen cosmonaut if Turkmenistan expresses interest, Russian Ambassador Ivan Volynkin said on April 10 in Ashgabat. The statement was made during a ceremony marking the 65th anniversary of the first human spaceflight, during which participants laid flowers at a bust of Yuri Gagarin. The remarks were reported by the Russian Embassy’s official Telegram channel. Volynkin highlighted the achievements of Oleg Kononenko, a native of Turkmenabat in Turkmenistan, who holds the record for the longest cumulative time spent in orbit, exceeding 1,100 days. He currently heads the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center. According to the ambassador, cooperation between Russia and Turkmenistan in the space sector holds significant potential. He said Moscow is ready to collaborate with Ashgabat on satellite production and launches, navigation technologies, and joint scientific research. The statement comes amid intensifying global competition in space, as more countries seek to expand their presence in orbit. Previous reporting has noted that major powers, including the United States, China, Russia, and European countries, are pursuing differing space strategies, while middle-income states increasingly view space as a means of economic development and technological advancement. In Central Asia, this trend is most evident in Kazakhstan, which is developing its satellite capabilities while continuing to utilize infrastructure such as the Baikonur Cosmodrome.