Astara terminal expansion to boost cargo capacity to 4 million tons

Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) is gearing up for a significant increase in cargo transportation along the North-South and South-North directions in the coming year, said ADY Chairman Rovshan Rustamov, Report informs.

According to Rustamov, the completion of the Astara railway loading terminal will play a crucial role in achieving this goal.

He mentioned that ADY representatives are engaging in discussions with Russian and Iranian railway administrations regarding the International North-South Transport Corridor (INTSC).

"Next week, we expect to meet with the head of Iranian railways. Following the action plan we adopted in Iran last month, we are finalizing operations at the Astara railway loading terminal. According to the action plan, the construction of the Astara terminal will be fully completed next year, increasing our cargo handling capacity in this direction to 4 million tons," Rustamov pointed out.

Rustamov also noted that this matter was discussed during a meeting with the head of Russian railways in Tashkent last month.

Additionally, a customs office has been established at the terminal, which spans across 5.5 hectares.

The commissioning of the Astara terminal will enhance trade relations between Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Russia. Pakistan is expected to be one of the countries actively utilizing the terminal's facilities within the North-South project.