BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 21. Azerbaijan Railways CJSC informed this week about the growth of the total volume of cargo transportation by it in 2022, Trend reports.
According to the company, this figure amounted to 18.7 million tons of cargo, up by 3.7 million tons on annual basis.
The CJSC noted that due to the growth in freight traffic, transit traffic increased by 2.9 million tons to 7.5 million tons. Compared to 2021, cargo transportation along the East-West corridor increased by 500,000 tons - up to 3.9 million tons, and along the North-West corridor by two million tons up to - 2.9 million tons.
Growth was observed mainly in such types of cargo as petrochemicals, chemical and mineral fertilizers, building materials, and coal.
Besides, it was noted this week that Azerbaijan Railways CJSC transported 5.1 million passengers last year, which was 84 percent more than in 2021. The vast majority of passengers (five million) accounted for transportation on the Absheron Circular Railway.
Meanwhile, the CJSC shared its plans to deliver 10 passenger trains of 'FLIRT' type (Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train) purchased by it from Swiss Stadler Rail company to Baku in 2023-2024.
It was noted that the new trains will make a significant contribution to a more intensive and high-quality organization of passenger transportation along the Absheron Circular Railway and to the regions.
The Stadler Rail company informed this week about its readiness to supply additional trains to Azerbaijan if Azerbaijan Railways CJSC announces a new tender or places an order.
The company added that under the above conditions, it will be also ready to consider its participation in such a tender, as well as to provide service and signaling solutions.
The CJSC also shared its plans to purchase 605 container platforms due to the growth of demand on transit cargo transportation, adding that a number of important decisions have been made on the acquisition and overhaul of mainline and shunting locomotives.
Moreover, Azerbaijan Railways CJSC said that it aims to increase the efficiency of its activities, in particular, to launch the digitalization of operational and management processes, and to transform into a modern and integrated structure providing high-quality services in 2023.
In the field of railway construction, it was noted this week that the design work of the 140.6-kilometer-long Horadiz-Aghband railway line, which is planned to be completed in 2024, has been completed by 78 percent, and construction work - by 38 percent (53.2 kilometers).
Along with the above, it was reported that 85 percent of the construction of a railway bridge across the Hakari River, which has 13 spans and a length of 418 meters, has been completed on the area of the Horadiz-Aghbend railway line. Construction work on the Barda-Aghdam railway has been completed by 64 percent, and work on the modernization of the Sumgayit-Yalama railways - has by 48 percent.
The implementation of all the mentioned work will create in the future ample opportunities for the rapid and safe transportation of even more cargo.