Baku:Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) has entered into a contract with CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive, a prominent Chinese rolling stock manufacturer, to purchase four new passenger trains. This move is part of ADY's strategy to modernize its fleet and enhance rail connections across Azerbaijan.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the agreement was finalized on October 27, with ADY Chairman Rovshan Rustamov and Wang Xiaolin, head of CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive, signing the contract. The newly acquired electric trains will include modern amenities and various passenger classes, aiming to improve accessibility solutions. This expansion is aligned with ADY's plans to gradually resume passenger rail services to Yalama, Minjivan, and Astara by 2030, and to open the Baku-Khankendi route to passenger traffic.
The expansion of ADY's fleet is expected to strengthen transport links between Baku and other regions, enhancing access to education, healthcare, and employment. It will also support domestic tourism and regional economic activities. The introduction of services to Khankendi and Minjivan will aid in integrating Garabagh and East Zangezur into Azerbaijan's national transport network, facilitating connectivity for returning residents. Additionally, restoring services to Yalama and Astara is anticipated to boost regional tourism and commerce.
Each new train will consist of seven carriages, measuring approximately 135 meters in length, with a maximum operating speed of 140 kilometers per hour and a design speed of 160 kilometers per hour. The trains will accommodate 434 seated passengers across first-class, business-class, and standard-class options. Delivery of the trains is expected within two years.
This purchase is a part of ADY's broader rolling stock modernization program. In June, ADY signed another contract with CRRC Ziyang for four mainline passenger locomotives. Furthermore, ADY is evaluating proposals for acquiring 20 passenger trains and 50 sleeping carriages for interregional services, as part of the State Program for the Improvement of Transport Infrastructure in Baku and Surrounding Areas for 2025-2030.
As part of ongoing modernization efforts, seven freight locomotives were delivered from China last month, with plans for additional acquisitions in the next phase. These initiatives underscore ADY's commitment to enhancing passenger comfort and expanding rail network coverage in Azerbaijan.