Azerbaijan Railways Launches Yevlakh–Barda Modernization

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) will temporarily suspend its busy Baku–Aghdam–Baku passenger route to launch a major infrastructure rehabilitation project on the critical Yevlakh–Barda railway line. The modernization aims to upgrade track infrastructure that has not undergone major renewal since 1967, currently restricting train operational speeds to between 10 km/h and 60 km/h. This upgrade is part of a broader regional transport strategy, following the May 10, 2025, opening of the Aghdam Railway and Bus Terminal Complex.

What Is the Full Scope of This Project?

The modernization of the Yevlakh–Barda railway line represents a foundational upgrade of central Azerbaijani rail infrastructure to establish high-standard regional connectivity. The project entails complete track reconstruction, safety system integration in residential zones, and infrastructure alignment with international railway standards to support both freight and passenger transport. Crucially, this rehabilitation acts as the first phase of a larger network expansion extending from Yevlakh to Khankendi in the southwest Karabakh region. Concurrently, ADY is executing the construction of the Aghdam–Khankendi link and the Khankendi passenger hub, following the laying of its foundation stone in July 2024.

Key Project Data

How Does This Compare to Similar Projects?

The Yevlakh–Barda modernization reflects a broader regional trend of upgrading legacy Soviet-era rail networks to capture growing international cargo volumes. Globally, the rail freight market is expanding rapidly, projected to reach USD 444.59 billion in 2025 and forecasted to hit EUR 567.3 billion by 2035 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% (Source: Railmarket, 2025). Within Azerbaijan, this project complements the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars (BTK) modernization completed in May 2024, which expanded capacity from 1 million to 5 million tons annually (Source: ADY, 2024). However, unlike the BTK expansion, the specific investment value and construction timeline for the Yevlakh-Barda rehabilitation have not been publicly disclosed.

Editor’s Analysis

ADY’s strategy to temporarily suspend its busiest passenger link highlights the operational urgency of replacing 60-year-old infrastructure to accommodate modern axle loads and higher speeds. By linking central lines to the newly constructed Aghdam–Khankendi network, Azerbaijan is positioning itself as a transit hub, capitalizing on the rising demand for long-distance rail corridors seen globally (Source: Tourism Review, 2025). This domestic integration is critical to ensuring that regional infrastructure can support the projected 5.5% global growth in rail freight logistics over the next decade.

FAQ

Q: Why is the Baku–Aghdam–Baku passenger train service being suspended?
A: The service is temporarily suspended to allow Azerbaijan Railways to safely perform comprehensive reconstruction works on the Yevlakh–Barda railway line. This modernization is required because the line has not seen major rehabilitation since 1967.

Q: What is the current speed limit on the Yevlakh–Barda railway line?
A: Trains on the current unimproved line are restricted to speeds between 10 km/h and 60 km/h due to aging infrastructure. Modernization works will significantly increase these speeds and reduce passenger travel times.

Q: What is the total budget and completion date for the Yevlakh–Barda modernization?
A: The total financial budget and official completion date for the Yevlakh–Barda rehabilitation project have not been disclosed by Azerbaijan Railways.