Official: Zangezur Corridor set to boost Middle Corridor freight capacity by 10-12 million tonnes

Azerbaijan's efforts to enhance the Middle Corridor's freight capacity to 11 million tonnes hinge on a comprehensive approach that includes upgrading both physical infrastructure and logistical processes, according to a senior official.

Speaking at a roundtable titled Azerbaijan – The Crossroads of Transcontinental Megaroutes: East-West and North-South, Aytan Turabova, Senior Advisor in Azerbaijan's Transport Ministry, outlined the strategic importance of the East-West and North-South corridors, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

She emphasised their role in enhancing global connectivity and fostering economic growth.

"According to the World Bank, the volume of freight along the Middle Corridor could reach 11 million tonnes by 2030. Achieving this requires measures to develop both 'hard' and 'soft' infrastructure, including improving physical infrastructure and enhancing logistical processes," Turabova explained.

She further emphasised that Azerbaijan has consistently invested in transport infrastructure for over two decades, recognising the strategic significance of these routes.

The official also noted that the second phase of the Goranboy-Agband railway project is currently underway. This railway, which will connect directly to the Zangezur Corridor, is crucial for ensuring a direct link between Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and Türkiye.

"Overall, the opening of the Zangezur Corridor is expected to increase the Middle Corridor's freight capacity by 10-12 million tonnes," Turabova added.

By Aghakazim Guliyev