Uzbekistan sees Zangezur Corridor as key to regional integration and growth

The opening of the Zangezur Corridor is expected to bring substantial benefits to all countries located along its route, according to an analytical report prepared by the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan.

The report, cited by domestic media, highlights that one of the most urgent solutions for alleviating congestion on the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway line is the commissioning of the Zangezur Corridor—a 43-kilometre railway section connecting Azerbaijan’s main territory with its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

The corridor will notably shorten the distance between Azerbaijan and Turkey. Currently, freight trains travelling via the BTK route pass approximately 250 kilometres through Georgia.

With the new corridor, once construction reaches the Azerbaijani border village of Aghband, the distance between Azerbaijan and Türkiye will be reduced by 343 kilometres. This reduction will save both time and costs, cutting delivery times by about one day compared to the route through Georgia.

Importantly, the report stresses that the launch of the Zangezur Corridor will not diminish the significance of the BTK route. Instead, both routes will complement each other, collectively enhancing the region’s transit potential.

The study further notes that all countries involved in the Asia-Europe transport and logistics chain will experience positive effects from the corridor. The new route will facilitate easier land access for Asian countries to European markets, broaden the logistics capabilities of the region, and increase demand for transit services.

For Central Asian nations, the Zangezur Corridor is seen as a strategic gateway to the markets of Türkiye, Romania, and Bulgaria via Azerbaijani territory.

The report also emphasises Azerbaijan’s current priority to fully operationalise the Zangezur Corridor. The project holds the potential to benefit the entire region, including Armenia. Beyond establishing a direct rail link between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the corridor will re-establish a transport connection between Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Iran through the Julfa junction in Nakhchivan, a route that was operational during the Soviet era.

Moreover, the Kars-Gyumri-Nakhchivan-Megri-Baku railway route will create a direct link between Türkiye and neighbouring countries, further stimulating interregional cooperation and development.

In summary, the Zangezur Corridor is positioned as a critical infrastructure initiative poised to enhance connectivity, trade, and economic integration across the broader region.

By Tamilla Hasanova