Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) management has met with representatives of major freight customers to discuss infrastructure upgrades, fleet expansion, digital services and future cooperation, the company told Report.
The meeting aimed to brief business partners on ADY's freight operations and results, hear their proposals and identify common approaches.
ADY Chairman Rovshan Rustamov praised shippers' contribution to Azerbaijan's economy and transport and logistics sector, emphasizing that customer focus, openness and transparency were central to the company's operations.
He noted that ADY had previously held individual meetings with cargo owners. Bringing its largest shippers together in this format for the first time demonstrated the company's accessibility and commitment to cooperation based on mutual trust, he said.
Participants were briefed on freight infrastructure modernization projects and reforms. Reconstruction of the Sumgayit–Yalama railway has been completed, with work to convert the line to alternating-current traction due to begin in the next phase.
Construction at the Astara Terminal has also been completed. Meanwhile, upgrades to power supply, communications and signaling systems on the Baku–Boyuk Kasik line and an overhaul of the Alat–Osmanli–Astara line are continuing.
Train speeds have already increased on the Osmanli–Astara section, allowing more freight to be transported. Modernization of the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway increased its annual capacity from one million to five million tons.
ADY also outlined efforts to renew and expand its rolling stock. The company purchased 300 freight wagons in 2025 and received seven modern AC50 mainline freight locomotives from China in September 2026.
Negotiations are underway to acquire another 14 locomotives, while preparations continue to purchase 250 additional wagons next year. These measures aim to expand network capacity and improve service reliability.
The meeting also focused on institutional and digital transformation. Under the ADY Express model, rail, port and maritime transport services would be offered through a single window.
The "one contract, one manager and one invoice" approach would simplify access to services and ensure coordinated transport operations.
Participants were also briefed on electronic consignment notes, shipment tracking and automated tariff calculations. ADY currently offers 11 electronic services through portal.ady.az and is working to expand customer account functionality.
The company has also launched its Cargo Tracking platform, enabling cargo owners to monitor container shipments along the East–West international transport route in real time. The service provides cargo owners, shippers, carriers and other interested parties with timely updates on container status.
Discussions also covered tariff policy, discounts and measures to improve the economic efficiency of freight transportation. ADY said tariff discounts took into account increased or guaranteed cargo volumes, new freight flows, the competitiveness of alternative routes and other economic factors.
During an interactive discussion, company representatives answered questions about wagon and flatcar availability, delivery times, station operations, tariffs and charges.
ADY said direct and open dialogue with partners remained a priority. Similar meetings would be held regularly, including with other shippers.