Azerbaijan, Baku, April 14 / Trend A.Akhundov E.Ismayilov /
The preparation work on technical documents for railway reconstruction and train purchases as part of a state program on railway system development in Azerbaijan will end by mid-2011, Deputy Transport Minister Musa Panahov said.
He said Azerbaijani specialists and experts attracted by the World Bank are involved in the preparations.
"This will create conditions to increase cargo transportation volume and improve the country's transit potential," he stressed.
Tenders will be announced and contractors will be selected on the basis of these documents.
Panahov said the country's railways will be brought into line with modern requirements.
The main goals of the State Railway System Development Program in Azerbaijan in 2010-2014 approved upon the order by the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev are to continue reforms and improve the legal framework for the creation of broad opportunities for commercial railway, take measures to update the railway infrastructure in accordance with current requirements, provide transportation of cargos, the volume of which will be increased after the launch of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway.
Also, the program is aimed at improving the quality of cargo and passenger transportation and security, introducing scientific and technological advances and new technologies in transport infrastructure, defining and implementing a strategy to improve passenger services and increase their profitability, restoring the northern section of the railroad, purchasing locomotives, purchasing diesel locomotives, training and social security.
Under the program, in 2010-2011 it is expected to undertake institutional reforms at the Azerbaijan Railway, prepare and adopt rules for the transport of cargo and passengers, use of railway vehicles, traffic safety, and develop a bill on railway transport.
The program will be financed at own expense of Azerbaijan Railways JSC, domestic and foreign investments, technical assistance and grants from other sources, not contrary to law.