Azerbaijan, Baku, June 26 / Trend E.Ismayilov /
Work on the reconstruction and modernization of the Baku-Boyuk Kesik (the border with Georgia) railway section is scheduled for completion by mid 2014, a source in Azerbaijan Railways said.
The source said the relevant work has already begun, and this project will be implemented under the State Railway System Development Program.
"The modernization provides c conduct of a huge work to be completed by mid-2014," the source said.
As a result of the work to be undertaken at the Baku-Boyuk Kesik railway section, the train speed can be increased up to 140 kilometers per hour. Currently, the speed of trains on this route is 60-80 miles per hour.
The work on the modernization of the Baku-Boyuk Kesik railway section launched on June 10, 2011.
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.