BAKU — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has granted a $47 million loan to accelerate the digital transformation of Azerbaijan's railway system, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and safety across its networks.

According to Trend News Agency, the ADB's funding will support the integration of advanced digital technologies in various facets of the Azerbaijan Railway operations. This includes streamlining cargo management, maintenance routines, and strategic planning processes. The initiative will further extend to modernizing customer interfaces, improving access to information regarding pricing and taxation.

The project will not only improve the service delivery of Azerbaijan Railway CJSC but also strengthen Azerbaijan’s strategic position as a key trade and logistics conduit linking East and Central Asia with the Caucasus and Europe. Eugene Zhukov, Director General of the Central and West Asia Department at ADB, highlighted that the digital enhancements will bolster Azerbaijan’s role in enhancing regional connectivity and economic integration.

ADB transport specialist Nanyan Zhou emphasized the critical nature of this digitalization for boosting Azerbaijan's effectiveness in regional transit. “Azerbaijan's railway lines play a crucial role in corridors 2 and 6 of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program, aligning this digitalization project with the CAREC Strategy through 2030,” Zhou stated.

Since 1999, Azerbaijan has secured over $5 billion in loans from the ADB, reflecting a longstanding partnership in advancing the nation’s infrastructure and economic capabilities.