Astara: Azerbaijan and Iran have signed a protocol aimed at enhancing transport cooperation, marking a significant step in the development of the North-South International Transport Corridor. Rovshan Rustamov, Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY), and his Iranian counterpart Jabbar Ali Zakeri reviewed the ongoing construction works at the Astara Terminal during Rustamov's visit to Iran, as reported by ADY to APA-Economics.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, detailed information was shared about the current status of the Astara Terminal project, including the completed work and the upcoming phases. Reports indicate that the construction and installation at the terminal, a crucial infrastructure component of the North-South Corridor, are nearing completion.

The meeting between the two railway administrations centered on evaluating the state of bilateral cooperation and the potential for developing freight transportation along the corridor. The parties discussed increasing cargo volumes and reaffirmed that the full commissioning of the Astara Terminal, with an annual handling capacity of 3.5-4 million tons, will improve freight operations efficiency and enhance the region's transit potential. The terminal's operation is expected to expand bilateral cargo turnover, accelerate international freight flows, and boost the competitiveness of the corridor.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a protocol to finalize the construction of the Astara Terminal and further cooperation to increase freight transportation along the North-South Corridor. Data from ADY shows that in the first five months of 2026, the terminal handled over 345,000 tons of cargo, a 26 percent increase compared to the same period last year.