A Historic First: Transit Cargo Transport by Rail from Zira Port Begins

As part of infrastructure projects carried out by the Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) in 2023–2024, the Dubendi–Zira–Gurgen–Zira Sea Port railway line (21 km) was reconstructed, and a new 9 km railway line was laid between Gurgen and Zira Port.

These infrastructure developments have made it possible, for the first time, to organize the transportation of transit cargo by rail from Zira Port. At the initial stage, the transportation of approximately 13,000 tons of cargo has begun. A shipment of sulfur from Central Asia will be sent toward Europe. Overall, it is planned to transport 60,000 tons of cargo per month by rail from Zira Port. At the next stage, an expansion in the types and quantities of cargo is envisaged, including the transportation of urea.

Thanks to the transportation of transit cargo by rail from Zira Port, the organization of cargo flows along the Middle Corridor will be faster, and operational efficiency will be improved.

Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) not only efficiently organizes transit transportation but also actively works on the development of corridors passing through Azerbaijan, enhancing their competitiveness and attractiveness. The Middle Corridor, which transports cargo from East to West and vice versa, is the main strategically important transit corridor for Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is the key initiator of expanding this corridor and forming its alternative branches.