EIB develops recommendations for modernization of railway communications in Azerbaijan

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has completed a consultancy project to improve the reliability and safety of the railway infrastructure in Azerbaijan, Report informs via the EIB.

The work was carried out as part of the EU Facility for Eastern Partnership Investment in Connectivity (EPIC) and lasted ten months.

The EIB’s advisory support resulted in recommendations that will guide Azerbaijan Railways in a project to improve operational safety while reducing travel times, costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

The advisory support will help Azerbaijan Railways to enhance safety at existing level crossings along the important Baku-Boyuk Kesik rail route, which is a 503 km line that links the capital city and Port of Baku with the rail network of neighboring Georgia and continues to the Black Sea. It is part of the core TEN-T network in Azerbaijan and serves as an important connection on the Middle Corridor, especially for cargo transport.

Funded by the European Union and managed by EIB Advisory program JASPERS, EPIC offers Eastern Partnership countries free advisory support and technical assistance to improve transport connections. It is implemented in cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the World Bank.

EPIC projects can come from all transport sub-sectors, such as road, rail, air, maritime and intermodal transport sectors. Projects will typically reduce travel time and cost, eliminate bottlenecks, improve road safety, adapt transport infrastructure to climate change, and have socioeconomic and environmental benefits.

The EIB is the European Union’s long-term financing institution, owned by its member states. It supports investment projects that are in line with EU policy objectives, including in the areas of infrastructure, climate and innovation.

The bank’s dedicated unit, EIB Global, is focused on international cooperation and sustainable development. Its priorities include the implementation of the European Green Deal, the Global Gateway Initiative, and support for inclusive economic growth and job creation.

In Azerbaijan, EIB Global’s focus is, among other things, on diversifying energy sources and modernizing strategically important infrastructures, such as rail corridors.