CJSC Azerbaijan Railways (ADY), a subsidiary of AZCON Holding, continues to modernize its rolling stock to enhance the quality of passenger services, upgrade fleet capacity, and expand the geographical reach of rail passenger transport.
Sea-news.az reports that a contract was signed on October 27 between ADY and China’s CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive for the acquisition of 4 new passenger trains.
The document was signed by Rovshan Rustamov, Chairman of ADY, and Wang Jiaolin, head of CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive.
The Chairman of ADY stated that the procurement of new passenger trains is a continuation of ongoing measures to modernize rolling stock and meet the growing transit demands of passengers:
“The new electric trains will be equipped with modern amenities, multiple seating classes, and accessibility solutions. By adding these units to our fleet, we will expand our service coverage and gradually restore passenger transport toward Yalama, Minjivan, and Astara by 2030. Concurrently, as previously scheduled, the Baku–Khankendi route will be commissioned for passengers,” noted Rovshan Rustamov.
Restoring passenger transport on these routes will enhance mobility between the capital and the regions, strengthening transport connectivity and facilitating access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Expanding rail links will also spur domestic tourism, revitalize local businesses, and boost regional economic activity.
Establishing passenger services toward Khankendi and Minjivan will strengthen the integration of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur into the national transport grid, improving accessibility for returning residents and stimulating socio-economic revival. Restoring passenger connections to Yalama and Astara will unlock the tourism and economic potential of the country’s northern and southern regions.
The new trainsets will offer passengers comfortable, accessible, and modern travel options. Each train will consist of 7 cars. Measuring approximately 135 meters in length, the trains will have a maximum operational speed of 140 km/h and a design speed of 160 km/h. Each train will accommodate 434 seats across three service classes: First, Business, and Standard. Under the terms of the agreement, delivery is expected within 2 years.
CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive, the manufacturer, is one of the leading state-owned enterprises in China’s rail transit industry.
The acquisition aligns with ADY’s broader program for the phased modernization of passenger and freight rolling stock. In June this year, ADY signed a contract with China’s CRRC Ziyang for the procurement of 4 mainline passenger locomotives.
Furthermore, within the framework of the “State Program on the Improvement of Transport Infrastructure in Baku and Adjacent Areas for 2025–2030,” approved by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on January 30, 2025, technical and commercial evaluations are underway regarding proposals from international manufacturers for 20 passenger trains and 50 sleeper-type passenger coaches for interregional routes.
In addition, 7 freight locomotives were delivered from China last month, with 14 more freight locomotives scheduled for acquisition in the next phase.
ADY’s ongoing investments in fleet modernization and network expansion serve to increase the accessibility of rail transport nationwide, reinforce interregional connections, and enable more passengers to benefit from modern rail services.
