In the Baku conference room, Wang Qiaolin, Chairman of CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive&Rolling Stock Co., Ltd., and Shahin Babayev, Executive Director of Azerbaijan Transport and Communications Holding Company, sat around the table, chatting about railways, logistics, and trams. The picture of rail transit cooperation between the two countries is slowly unfolding, from the resumption of passenger transportation to the renovation of new lines.

Railway passenger transportation needs to be restored

ADY plans to restore passenger services in the directions of Baku to Yarama, Mingwan, and Astara by 2030, and open passenger services for the under construction Khankendi line. ADY has confirmed that the addition of new lines will generate further vehicle demand and is evaluating quotes from overseas manufacturers for 20 passenger trains and 50 sleeper cars for inter regional passenger services. Skoda also visited Azerbaijan with a Czech business delegation in October and expressed optimism about the local market. Subsequent procurement will face competition from multiple manufacturers.

The Asian Development Bank announced in October that it will provide a $350 million loan to ADY for the electrification upgrade of the 192 kilometer Baku Bilakari to Yarama line, from 3kV DC to 25kV 50Hz AC, and to update the signal and communication systems. This line is an important part of the Central Asian regional economic cooperation network. After renovation, it can reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs, improve traffic efficiency, and also drive the demand for equipment and technology in traction power supply, signal and communication fields, creating conditions for the application of AC standard locomotives and vehicles. Keywords: CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive&Rolling Stock Co., Ltd., Azerbaijan Rail Transit

Tram blueprint on the road

In terms of tram, Baku plans to build 5 lines and 3 depots, with the goal of completion by 2030. At present, only the backbone line has completed the plan. The line extends from Mehdi Abad in the Absheron district north of Baku to the May 28th station in the city center. A new transfer station will be built in Rasurzad to connect with the suburban railway, and a subway transfer will be made on Azadlig Street. The remaining four lines will connect to Bilagari and Binagadi in the northwest, Sabniki and Bakihanov in the east, Bayir and Badamdar in the south, and Heydar Aliyev International Airport. The airport line will be connected to the planned airport subway line. The Deputy Minister of Transport stated that the detailed design of all routes will be completed within 2026, and the construction party will be selected through open bidding. He also stated that both Chinese and European companies have the ability to undertake such projects.Editor/Min Jing