Alternative route in Azerbaijan's south emerges in strategic North-South Corridor talks

An alternative route through southern Azerbaijan is being considered as part of the development of the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC), according to Andrey Nikitchenko, Adviser to the President and Chairman of VTB Bank and CEO of VTB Project Office LLC.

Report informs that, speaking at the international roundtable in Baku titled "Shaping the Transport Framework of Eurasia and Azerbaijan's Key Role in the Process," Nikitchenko noted that the proposed route would pass through Imishli (Azerbaijan), Parsabad and Ardabil (Iran), before connecting to Qom, Bavk, and the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas.

He explained that this alternative is under discussion due to certain constraints on segments of Iran's railway network, including geological and geodetic challenges.

"This route has indeed been considered. However, no final decision has been made yet. Each proposed direction has its own advantages and drawbacks, stakeholders and opponents," Nikitchenko said. "The role of the project organization is to provide decision-makers with a well-justified choice based on technical, economic, and other key factors."

He added that the route discussions are ongoing, and further details cannot yet be disclosed.