Baku:The World Bank has identified the necessary investments for Azerbaijan to fully realize the potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, known as the Middle Corridor. The primary investment requirement is estimated at $1.16 billion, with a timeline extending through 2040.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, The report outlines three main areas of investment. Firstly, $260 million is needed for the modernization of the Baku-Alat-Boyuk Kesik railway line. This short-term project, currently underway, includes upgrading the electrification system and installing modern signaling equipment.

Secondly, the establishment of a network of dry ports in Azerbaijan is projected to require $300 million. This project involves creating a dry port at the Boyuk Kesik border crossing to facilitate routes toward the Black Sea and Turkey, along with expanding the logistics center at the Port of Baku. A southern logistics hub is also planned for a new route through Azerbaijan and Armenia toward Kars.

Opportunities for attracting private capital in partnership with Azerbaijan Railways CJSC are also being explored in this sector.

Finally, a long-term investment of $600 million is needed to enhance the capacity of the Baku-Alat-Boyuk Kesik railway line, expected to be implemented in the 2030s, to handle increased freight traffic.

Overall, the World Bank anticipates that $30.5 billion in investments will be necessary by 2040 for the Middle Corridor to develop into a comprehensive economic corridor in the region.