Azerbaijan unveils new Chinese-made freight locomotives for TRIPP PHOTO/VIDEO

Azerbaijan Railways (AZD) has presented seven new AS50 freight locomotives manufactured in China at the Balajari railway depot, as the country moves to expand its rail capacity along key international transport routes.

Another 14 locomotives ordered from China are expected to arrive later, Caliber.Az reports.

Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, head of the press service at Azerbaijan Railways CJSC, said the locomotives will operate on both the Middle Corridor and the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP).

The mainline diesel locomotives were manufactured by China’s CRRC Ziyang Co., Ltd. and are equipped with advanced control and safety systems, an innovative traction system and high traction power.

The locomotives feature a 2,000-litre main fuel tank and a dual-compressor system, allowing them to haul long and heavy freight trains. A 90-day maintenance interval is designed to support more reliable and uninterrupted operations.

The locomotives can also be coupled in series and operated by a single crew, enabling larger volumes of freight to be transported while improving efficiency in handling heavy trains.

The AS50 model complies with Level IIIA environmental standards established by the International Union of Railways (UIC), allowing it to operate in areas subject to specific emissions requirements.

Azerbaijan Railways said it will continue modernising its locomotive fleet and upgrading the technical capabilities of its freight and passenger rolling stock as freight volumes along international transport corridors increase.

By Sabina Mammadli