Azerbaijan nears completion of strategic Horadiz-Aghband highway Eyes regional connectivity boost / VIDEO

Azerbaijan is nearing the final stages of one of its most ambitious infrastructure undertakings—the construction of the Horadiz-Jabrayil-Zangilan-Aghband highway, a key link within the planned Zangezur corridor.

According to the State Roads Agency, the highway is now 93% complete, Caliber.Az reports.

Launched with the participation of the presidents of Azerbaijan and Türkiye, the project has taken shape as a critical part of Azerbaijan’s broader efforts to revitalize the recently liberated territories and reconnect strategic regions. The four-lane highway stretches a total of 149.9 kilometres, with 123.6 kilometres forming the main carriageway. As part of the massive construction effort, 55 underpasses and 28 bridges are being built.

A standout feature of the project is the inclusion of three tunnels, with a combined length of 12.03 kilometres. Drilling and concreting work on all three has already been completed, underscoring the advanced stage of the project.

The Horadiz-Aghband route is not merely a road — it’s a geopolitical and economic artery. By linking mainland Azerbaijan to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic through the East Zangezur economic zone, it is expected to transform the region’s connectivity landscape. Beyond its logistical importance, the road is also set to stimulate trade, accelerate regional economic development, and reinforce strategic ties with neighbouring countries.

The project is part of a wider national infrastructure initiative targeting Karabakh and surrounding regions. Azerbaijan is currently working on 45 road projects across these areas, covering a combined length of 3,382.6 kilometres. Of these, 1,076.1 kilometres are designated as roads of national importance, while the remaining 2,306.5 kilometres serve local communities.

So far, seven road projects spanning 315.9 kilometres have been fully completed. Since 2021, over 2,700 kilometres of roads have either been built or rehabilitated, including 1,430 kilometres classified as locally significant routes.

The development push also includes complex engineering feats: 45 tunnels totalling 69.1 kilometres, and more than 463 bridges, viaducts, and overpasses that span approximately 13.4 kilometres. Among these is the flagship Ahmadbayli-Fuzuli-Shusha highway, a Class I road running 81.7 kilometres and incorporating 11 bridges, 7 tunnels, and 9 viaducts.

With construction progressing at a rapid pace, the Horadiz-Aghband highway is poised to become a cornerstone of Azerbaijan’s regional integration and infrastructure strategy, opening up new opportunities for commerce, travel, and diplomatic engagement.

By Tamilla Hasanova