Baku:Azerbaijan Railways (ADY), a subsidiary of AZCON Holding, has entered into a contract with CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive, a prominent Chinese rolling stock manufacturer, to acquire four new passenger trains. This acquisition is part of ADY's initiative to modernize its fleet and enhance rail connectivity across Azerbaijan.
According to Azeri-Press news agency, the contract was signed on October 27 by Rovshan Rustamov, Chairman of ADY, and Wang Xiaolin, head of CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive. The new electric trains will be equipped with modern amenities, offer multiple passenger classes, and include accessibility solutions. The fleet expansion aims to gradually resume passenger rail services to Yalama, Minjivan, and Astara by 2030, with plans to open the Baku-Khankendi route to passenger traffic as well.
The introduction of these new routes is anticipated to strengthen transport links between Baku and various regions, facilitating better access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. It is also expected to boost domestic tourism and support regional economic activities. Specifically, the introduction of passenger services to Khankendi and Minjivan will enhance connectivity for Karabakh and East Zangezur, integrating them more fully into Azerbaijan's national transport network.
Each train will comprise seven carriages, measuring approximately 135 meters in length, and will operate at a maximum speed of 140 kilometers per hour, with a design speed of 160 kilometers per hour. With a seating capacity of 434 passengers per train, the fleet will provide first-class, business-class, and standard-class accommodations. Delivery of the trains is anticipated within two years under the current agreement.
This acquisition is a component of ADY's broader rolling stock modernization program. Previously, in June, ADY signed a contract with CRRC Ziyang to purchase four mainline passenger locomotives. Additionally, ADY is considering proposals from international manufacturers for procuring 20 passenger trains and 50 sleeping carriages for interregional services, as outlined in the State Program for the Improvement of Transport Infrastructure in Baku and Surrounding Areas for 2025-2030.
As part of its ongoing fleet modernization efforts, ADY also received seven freight locomotives from China last month, with plans to acquire 14 more in the next phase. These initiatives underscore ADY's commitment to enhancing passenger comfort, expanding rail network coverage, and improving transport links across Azerbaijan.