Türkiye sets date for groundbreaking of railway to Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan

Türkiye will officially commence construction of the Kars-Iğdır-Aralık-Dilucu railway line on August 22, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said.

The strategic railway will connect eastern Türkiye to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, enhancing regional connectivity and deepening economic integration across the South Caucasus, Caliber.Az reports.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Uraloğlu underscored the broader geopolitical and economic implications of the project, noting its alignment with Türkiye’s vision for expanded Eurasian trade corridors.

“The new railway will make a significant contribution to economic cooperation in the South Caucasus,” Uraloğlu stated. “And with the opening of the Zangezur corridor, overall cargo flow efficiency will increase across a vast area from Beijing to London.”

The 224-kilometre railway is backed by €2.4 billion in external financing, secured by the Turkish government. Once operational, the route is projected to handle 5.5 million passengers and up to 15 million tons of cargo annually.

Infrastructure development along the route will include the construction of five tunnels and ten bridges, representing not only a critical logistics upgrade but also a substantial investment in Türkiye’s Eastern Anatolia region.

“All of this will also serve as a powerful stimulus for the economy of Eastern Anatolia,” the minister emphasized.

The Kars-Iğdır-Aralık-Dilucu railway project aims to significantly enhance the regional economy and local prosperity by strengthening access to and integration with Türkiye’s national railway network. Beyond its local and national importance, the project also seeks to reinforce the strategic connection between Türkiye and Azerbaijan and support trade routes extending across Asia.

The railway line, extending from Kars to Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan region via the Dilucu Border Gate, is expected to boost freight transport capacity along the Middle Corridor and further develop the regional logistics infrastructure.

By Vafa Guliyeva