Baku Discusses Restoration of Railway Connection with Armenia: Reports

After recent discussions regarding the existing transit policy, Azerbaijan has begun exploring alternative possibilities for cargo transportation towards Armenia. According to sources interviewed by Minval Politika, Baku has initiated a preliminary assessment considering the restoration of the Baku-Gazakh railway segment that operated during the Soviet era, extending to the Armenian border area.

It is noted that during the Soviet period, there was a railway connecting Baku to Gazakh, which then continued to Ijevan. Currently, Baku is discussing the restoration of this segment from Gazakh to the presumed border with Armenia.

According to reports, the preliminary assessment has already started, examining the potential technical parameters, costs, and timeline for the restoration of this segment. At the same time, the option of full automobile routes is also being studied. The routes have not yet been definitively decided, as alternative corridors and their economic viability are being debated.

However, the fact that such discussions are taking place indicates a significant change: Azerbaijan has ceased to consider transit through Georgian territory as the only or unavoidable route.

According to the same information, the formation of cross-junction automobile routes is also under consideration. Discussions are still ongoing, and no final decision has been made, but the economic efficiency and potential load are being evaluated.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that Georgia previously announced it would not charge customs fees for the first transit of Azerbaijani petroleum products to Armenia. However, long-term tariff and customs policy issues continue to be in the discussion phase between the parties. The exploration of new initiatives shows that transport schemes in the region may change depending on economic and logistical calculations.