Nakhchivan: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva recently visited Nakhchivan city to assess the new electric buses set for deployment and to review the ongoing reconstruction of the region's railway infrastructure. Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev, alongside Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC Rovshan Rustamov, provided updates on the advancements.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, President Aliyev was informed about the railway construction projects along the Zangezur Corridor. The projects, once completed, will enhance the railway's freight capacity to 15 million tons annually. The 30-kilometer segment from Horadiz to Soltanli stations is already operational, facilitating freight transport to the 'Araz Valley Economic Zone' Industrial Park since May 2024. So far, 43,000 tons of cargo have been moved along this route.
The Nakhchivan railway line project, which began in 2025, aims to expand the line from its current 188 kilometers to 194.2 kilometers. This includes the reconstruction of 10 stations and three passenger platform stops. Design work for a seven-kilometer extension from Salammalik to the Armenian border is complete, with construction underway. Part of the engineering work is finished, while other aspects continue.
Seven kilometers of rails and 7,000 sleepers have been delivered, with a 6.3-kilometer track section expected to be completed by September's end. The remaining section, near the border, will begin after demining operations and project alignment along the TRIPP route. Additionally, the Sadarak station's alignment with Turkey's Kars-Igdir-Dilucu railway project is ongoing, with design work by Turkey in progress.
President Aliyev's order last year has led to the acquisition of 60 BYD electric buses, each 8.7 meters in length and accommodating 53 passengers, for exclusive use in Nakhchivan city. The buses are supported by charging equipment and upgraded depot infrastructure. A digital dispatch system manages traffic, and contactless payment options are available on the buses.
This initiative aims to serve 4.5 million passengers annually on nine routes in Nakhchivan city. The monitoring center will ensure real-time tracking of buses, maintaining safe and consistent passenger transportation.
The introduction of operations by 'BakuBus' LLC in Nakhchivan will enhance public transport services and shift payment processes to a cashless system. The depot, spanning nearly three hectares, includes inspection and repair bays, an automated accounting charging station, and a facility for washing 15 buses per hour. Operating in two shifts, the depot will employ 200 drivers and 22 administrative staff, with drivers earning over 1,000 manats monthly.