Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY), a subsidiary of AZCON Holding, is continuing its efforts to expand international rail transport, accelerate border crossings, increase transit capacity, and enhance digital integration.

This was reported to Operativ Media by ADY.

To this end, a meeting was held at the Boyuk Kesik station with the participation of officials from the railway administrations of Azerbaijan and Georgia, as well as relevant state agencies.

The meeting focused on expanding railway cooperation and improving the efficiency of international freight and passenger transport. The parties reviewed freight train crossing procedures at the Azerbaijan–Georgia border, factors causing delays, and ways to shorten border processing times. Officials also exchanged views on strengthening regional transport connections and increasing the competitiveness of the Middle Corridor.

A key topic was the expansion of digital solutions and electronic data exchange. ADY and Georgian Railway held detailed discussions on real-time electronic data sharing regarding trains and cargo, while also reviewing and adopting decisions to expand system integration among relevant state bodies, including customs authorities.

Preparations for launching an additional service on the Baku–Tbilisi route were also discussed. To improve passenger convenience, officials emphasized the importance of streamlining border and customs procedures and conducting inspections more efficiently within designated timeframes.

A separate working meeting was held to boost the efficiency of freight transport between Azerbaijan and Georgia and to reinforce the transit potential of the Middle Corridor. During the meeting, a decision was made for ADY electric locomotives to operate continuously on the Boyuk Kesik–Tbilisi–Boyuk Kesik route without uncoupling train sets.

The parties highlighted the importance of a new approach aimed at eliminating duplicate wagon inspection procedures. Under the new system, wagon inspections—previously conducted at both the Boyuk Kesik and Gardabani stations—will now take place only at Boyuk Kesik station for trains moving from Azerbaijan to Georgia, and at the Tbilisi junction station for trains traveling from Georgia to Azerbaijan. This optimization is expected to streamline border crossings and reduce freight train processing times by half. Streamlined freight operations along the route have already been successfully tested.

This innovation marks a new phase in railway cooperation between Azerbaijan and Georgia, enhancing the competitiveness of Middle Corridor freight transport and shortening transit times. It will also contribute to a more sustainable international logistics chain, allow extra carriages to be attached to passenger trains, and ensure more flexible operations when launching new routes.

ADY continues to work with international partners to modernize railway infrastructure, optimize transport operations, and implement digital solutions, aiming to further solidify Azerbaijan’s position as a leading regional transport and logistics hub.

In recent years, ADY has carried out large-scale infrastructure projects toward Boyuk Kesik. As a result, the throughput capacity of the border crossing point has increased significantly, railway infrastructure has been modernized to meet contemporary standards, and train handling capabilities have been expanded.

The deployment of digital management systems in the area has also enhanced the reliability of international transit transport. These investments make a major contribution to strengthening the transit capacity of the Middle Corridor and the region’s transport and logistics capabilities.