BAKU: The Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC, Rovshan Rustamov, announced a significant increase in freight traffic along the Middle Corridor, with plans to triple the number of block trains from China next year. This year has already seen an uptick in freight activity compared to the previous year, Rustamov told journalists, according to APA-Economics reports.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Rustamov discussed the outcomes of a recent trilateral meeting held in Georgia, which included the heads of the Kazakh, Georgian, and Azerbaijani railways. The meeting focused on steps to further develop the Middle Corridor, a critical route for freight traffic between Asia and Europe. Among the key outcomes was a decision to activate a joint venture established last year. The operational and financial model for this venture has been finalized and will play a crucial role in the corridor’s development next year, particularly for cargo originating from China.
Rustamov highlighted that, to date, over 300 block tr
ains have departed from China along this corridor, with the 306th train having just departed. The strategic plan for the coming year involves increasing this figure to 1,000 block trains, underscoring a robust commitment to expanding freight traffic through this vital route.