ADB reveals reasons behind delays in Sumgayit-Yalama railway reconstruction

The rehabilitation of the 333-kilometer Sumgayit-Yalama railway line, a crucial link in the international North-South Transport Corridor, has faced significant setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic and contractor-related issues. According to a recent social monitoring report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the contractor, Kolin & InCon KZ Joint Venture, now aims to complete the construction work by the end of 2024, according to Report.

The pandemic has severely impacted the project's progress, leading to substantial delays. The latest progress report from June highlights the contractor's inability to provide the necessary resources as a primary concern.

According to the bank, progress in recent months has been particularly weak in track laying. The contractor has not responded to the client's requests to increase the pace of work, despite the opportunities provided, the bank said.

It further noted that insufficient ballast supply has been identified as the main reason for the lag, while civil and earthworks are being carried out satisfactorily but still require improvement. Despite the contractor's claims of making changes to work organization and increasing rail laying capabilities, no significant improvement has been observed.

Track laying has been completed on section 1 and handed over for operation, except for a few segments - the left track from Gizilburun to Gilgilchay and the right track at the stations of Sitalchay, Gilazi, Zarat, Siyazan, and Gizil-Burun (7.2 km). On section 2, track laying has also been completed, except for certain parts from Gilgilchay to Shabran and from Khudat to Yalama. In total, about 276 km of track have been laid on both sections. Most bridges and culverts have already been built, with work continuing on the section from Khudat to Yalama.

The rehabilitation project is divided into two lots: lot 1 covers the section from Sumgayit station to Gilgilchay station, lot 2 extends from Gilgilchay to the Russian border in Yalama. Fences with a height of 1.6 to 2 meters will be installed along the line. The project includes the reconstruction or rehabilitation of 157 bridges, 354 culverts, construction of 13 pedestrian overpasses (6 of which are designed for people with disabilities), 10 road crossings, and 38 animal crossings.