Rovshan Rustamov, Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways (ADY), part of AZCON Holding, participated in panel discussions on "Developing Railway Infrastructure in the Eurasian Space" at the VII International Transport and Logistics Business Forum "New Silk Way" held in Kazakhstan, as reported by Day.Az citing ADY.
The discussions covered key topics such as the Middle Corridor, port-railway integration, technological modernization, and expanding transit capabilities. Rustamov emphasized the pivotal role of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway as a core freight route linking Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye. He noted that integrating the BTK with the Zangazur Corridor will create a cohesive network, significantly enhancing the region’s transit potential and supporting trade flows.
Rustamov highlighted that in the first nine months of 2025, ADY handled 296 block trains from China via the Middle Corridor, including 113 transit trains, a marked increase from the 213 trains recorded in the same period last year. He also pointed out that the February 2025 integration of Baku Port with ADY has further strengthened regional freight prospects by reducing transit times, cutting logistical costs, and boosting the competitiveness of transport operations.
During Kazakhstan Transport Week, Rustamov, alongside Kazakhstan’s Talgat Aldybergenov and Georgia’s Lasha Abashidze, signed a roadmap to address bottlenecks on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. The roadmap prioritizes infrastructure improvements, rolling stock upgrades, operational streamlining, and enhanced coordination among the three nations to develop the Middle Corridor, improve efficiency, and prepare for growing cargo volumes.
The forum coincided with the 28th Kazakhstan International Transport and Logistics Exhibition, featuring companies from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Türkiye, the UAE, Germany, China, Latvia, Estonia, India, Russia, and Belarus. Azerbaijan Railways showcased its capabilities at a dedicated booth.