BRICS Nations Prepare for Autonomous Transportation Amidst Rising Trade

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, with burgeoning trade among BRICS nations, logistics has transitioned from a supporting function to a primary driver of economic competitiveness. Autonomous transportation is poised to play a significant role in reducing costs and increasing the capacity of trade corridors.

Trade value among BRICS members is projected to exceed one trillion dollars by the end of 2025. This growth in exchange is placing increased pressure on the ports, rail lines, and roads within these countries. In this context, the development of digital infrastructure and the adoption of autonomous technologies are being considered as solutions to expand the capacity of transportation networks and lower logistical expenses.

Lyubarto Sartov, Chairman of the ASEAN Cooperation Committee at the Eurasian Business Forum, believes that increased intra-BRICS trade is driving demand for transportation capacity. He stated that the development of autonomous transport is no longer merely a technological choice but a necessity for expanding economic cooperation. Sartov noted that logistics account for an average of 6 to 8 percent of the GDP in various BRICS countries. He anticipates that investments in infrastructure will surpass $3 trillion by the end of the decade, with at least a quarter of this amount allocated to digitalization and automation.

Alexander Titov, Deputy Secretary-General of the International Association of Digital Economies, emphasized that widespread development of autonomous transportation is impossible without a multi-layered digital ecosystem. He stressed the need for this technology to be integrated with 5G networks, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications, data processing centers, and logistics management systems.

In India, logistical costs are estimated at around 13 to 14 percent of GDP. The government aims to reduce this share to 9 to 10 percent by 2030 and has allocated one trillion rupees for the development of multimodal infrastructure. The Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) facilitates real-time cargo tracking and reduces administrative hurdles by connecting data from customs, warehouses, and transport companies.

Brazil faces logistical costs of approximately 15.5 percent of its GDP. The growth in agricultural exports and grain production is intensifying pressure on its ports and rail networks. Consequently, the use of autonomous trucks and automated agricultural equipment is being explored to create an integrated supply chain from farm to port.

China possesses the most advanced autonomous transport models among BRICS nations. The country has established over 30 automated container terminals and developed more than 35,000 kilometers of test roads equipped with vehicle-to-infrastructure communication technology. In cities like Beijing and Wuhan, autonomous taxis are operating commercially, and self-driving trucks are navigating between logistics hubs.

The United Arab Emirates is developing smart transportation infrastructure with the goal of increasing the share of autonomous journeys to 25 percent by 2030. The Abu Dhabi-Dubai Smart Corridor serves as a testing ground for autonomous vehicles and driverless trucks.

In Russia, the focus is on utilizing autonomous technologies within transit corridors. The International North-South Transport Corridor is one route that could benefit from this technology to enhance the speed and predictability of cargo movement between Russia, Iran, and India.

Sartov highlighted Russia’s capacity to act as a bridge between Asia and Europe, its experience in transportation under challenging climatic conditions, and its use of precise navigation systems and digital solutions.

In South Africa, autonomous technologies could boost efficiency and help address connectivity issues in remote areas. Cargo drone trials are being conducted beyond visual line of sight to deliver medicine, medical samples, and goods to regions with difficult or costly road access.

However, the development of autonomous transportation in BRICS faces challenges, including differing digital standards, unharmonized customs procedures, a shortage of skilled personnel, and incompatible data management systems. Titov warned that a lack of common standards could lead to the creation of “automation islands,” where highly efficient systems operate within national borders but cannot communicate across international boundaries.

Consequently, developing cross-border transport corridors and harmonizing data exchange standards among BRICS nations is of paramount importance. The North-South Corridor between Russia, Iran, and India, trade routes between China and Africa, and transport networks among Middle Eastern countries are identified as key areas for cooperation.

The development of the Rasht-Astara railway line in Iran is expected to enable the annual transport of at least 15 million tons of cargo and significantly reduce transit times from Ust-Luga to Bandar Abbas.

Autonomous transportation in BRICS countries is evolving beyond just vehicle technology to become a component of the future economic infrastructure. This infrastructure, by integrating artificial intelligence, data analytics, 5G communications, and logistics management systems, aims to reduce cargo transportation costs, enhance supply chain predictability, and foster expanded trade among BRICS members.