Azerbaijan, Belarus to boost rail cargo capacity with new locomotives, wagons

Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijan Railways company (ADY) Arif Aghayev and Deputy Chairman of the Belarusian Railway company Andrei Yakobson have exchanged views on the development of bilateral and multilateral cooperation within international organisations.

The sides exchanged these views during a meeting in Baku on November 4. The meeting focused on the implementation of mutually beneficial projects and regular cargo transportation between the two countries. This includes the transportation of goods by container trains, ADY told Caliber.Az.

The Belarusian delegation expressed interest in sending goods to Türkiye via the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway and to Iran via the International North-South Transport Corridor, which passes through Azerbaijan. 

To strengthen cooperation on the International North-South Transport Corridor, a decision was made to continue holding negotiations on tariff policy, transportation technologies, and digitalisation, which were discussed during a trilateral meeting in October 2024, with the participation of representatives of the Russian Railways company (RZD). 

The meeting also included discussions on expanding the rolling stock of ADY with Belarusian-made locomotives and carriages. Both sides expressed their readiness to explore the potential supply of universal flat wagons, covered wagons, and tank cars to Azerbaijan.

The Azerbaijan Railways company is a government-owned entity responsible for rendering reliable rail transportation services for both passengers and cargo. It operates entirely under the ownership of the Azerbaijani government.

Founded on July 20, 2009, through Presidential Decree #383, Azerbaijan Railways emerged from the restructuring of the Azerbaijan State Railway, marking a pivotal moment in the modernisation of the country's rail infrastructure.

With its roots extending back to the inauguration of the first railway line in 1880, Azerbaijan Railways has played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s economy, enhancing its cultural landscape, and influencing the everyday lives of its citizens.

By Naila Huseynova