Armenia to receive Russian grain through newly unblocked Azerbaijan route, official

Russian grain, loaded onto 15 railcars, is set to be transported from Azerbaijan to Georgia in the coming hours, with onward delivery to Armenia, marking a significant development in regional rail logistics.

General Director of South Caucasus Railways CJSC Alexey Melnikov confirmed the shipment and emphasized its strategic importance, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

Earlier, Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan noted that Russian grain is being transported to Armenia via Azerbaijan and indicated that a shipment of Kazakh wheat is expected to follow in the coming days.

“The grain is already en route and will reach Armenian territory very shortly,” Melnikov stated. He described the operation as a nearly unprecedented milestone for the railway, highlighting the unblocking of the existing rail route between Russia and Armenia, which has received attention from several Armenian officials.

Melnikov added: “Kazakh grain will pass from Russia through Azerbaijan and arrive in Armenia in the coming days. For us as railway operators, this is a major achievement, as it now enables the delivery of cargo to Armenia from Kazakhstan, other countries, and Russia.”

He also underscored that container shipments from China can now be facilitated through this corridor, expressing confidence that the route will see significant utilization with multiple cargo trains arriving in Armenia.

The introduction of this new railway corridor is expected to reduce congestion at the Upper Lars crossing and lower transportation costs, particularly for the Black Sea maritime segment, which is traditionally the most expensive leg of the route. The corridor will serve not only major grain suppliers to Armenia but also other importers, including companies transporting petroleum products.

Melnikov concluded by affirming that the corridor will be actively used and will generate substantial economic benefits for the region.

By Vafa Guliyeva