Azerbaijan contemplates new container train route: Astara-Baku-Astrakhan

Azerbaijan is evaluating the potential launch of a container train service linking Astara (Iran), Baku (Azerbaijan), and Astrakhan (Russia).

This development was reported by the Ministry of External Relations of the Astrakhan region, as per Caliber.Az.

The ministry emphasized that the primary cargo flow between Azerbaijan and the Astrakhan region relies heavily on railway transport along the western branch of the North-South International Transport Corridor (ITC). This corridor is a crucial route for the movement of goods from Azerbaijan and transit cargoes from countries such as Iran, Türkiye, and India into Russia.

According to the report, Azerbaijan is currently assessing the feasibility of operating a container train on the route from Astara to Baku and then to Astrakhan, utilizing the infrastructure of the Astrakhan railway hub at Kutum station. The involvement of CJSC Azerbaijan Railways is anticipated in this initiative. Representatives from Azerbaijan Railways have already visited Astrakhan and have given a positive assessment regarding the prospects of this collaborative effort.

In addition to this potential project, significant work is being carried out to enhance cargo traffic through the Trans-Caspian section of the North-South ITC. The upcoming development of the Caspian cluster, which includes new port infrastructure and a container hub, is expected to increase the importance of maritime cargo communication with Azerbaijan.

It is noteworthy that in May of this year, a cooperation program was signed between the Astrakhan region and the Azerbaijani government for the years 2024-2026. This agreement outlines collaborative efforts to advance cargo transportation from Azerbaijan to Russia and vice versa via Astrakhan's logistics hubs. The program also includes joint participation in business missions, exhibitions, and various cultural, educational, and sports events.