Iran begins construction of new customs checkpoint on border with Azerbaijan

Iran has begun building a customs checkpoint on its side of the Kalaleh–Aghband highway bridge along the border with Azerbaijan, according to Ali Asghar Abbaszadeh, head of Customs for Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province.

Speaking to reporters, Abbaszadeh said the development of two new customs checkpoints in the province is currently a priority, including the expansion of the Jolfa customs checkpoint. At present, around 300 trucks pass through the Jolfa crossing each day. Once the Kalaleh–Aghband customs checkpoint becomes operational, daily truck capacity at the crossing is expected to increase to approximately 1,300 vehicles, Caliber.Az reports per local media. 

The Kalaleh–Aghband bridge forms part of a broader transport corridor linking Iran with Azerbaijan’s East Zangezur economic region. The foundation-laying ceremony for the Aghband road bridge was held on September 21, 2022. The bridge is a key component of the Horadiz–Jabrayil–Zangilan–Aghband highway, a 112-kilometer route designed to connect Azerbaijan’s highway network to Iran via the Araz River.

The bridge will be 216 meters long and 24.5 meters wide, featuring two vehicle lanes and one pedestrian lane in each direction. Border exit points are planned on both sides, with the capacity to handle at least 1,000 cargo vehicles per day, including export, import, and transit traffic, with 500 entries and 500 exits daily.

Commissioning of the Kalaleh–Aghband highway bridge is scheduled for March this year.

By Sabina Mammadli