Azerbaijan and EIB Strengthen Railway Safety in Milestone Collaboration
In a landmark initiative, Azerbaijan Railways, in partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB), has successfully concluded a pivotal project aimed at enhancing railway safety and operational efficiency.
This collaboration, the first of its kind under the EU-funded Facility for Eastern Partnership Investment in Connectivity (EPIC), marks a significant step in Azerbaijan’s ongoing efforts to modernise its rail infrastructure.
A New Era of Railway Safety
For nearly a year, Azerbaijan Railways worked closely with EIB advisors, focusing on improving safety measures along the Baku-Boyuk Kesik railway line, a 503-kilometre stretch that connects Baku, the capital and key port city, with Georgia’s rail network. This rail corridor is a vital part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and plays a critical role in facilitating cargo transport along the “Middle Corridor,” which links China to Europe via Central Asia and Turkey.
The EIB’s involvement has provided Azerbaijan with expert advice and best practices drawn from the EU’s extensive experience in the transport sector. This support has been instrumental in identifying and addressing safety risks at level crossings, a crucial aspect of railway operations where accidents can have catastrophic consequences.
“We are pleased to announce the successful completion of the first assignment under EPIC, which transfers the experience and best practices in the transport sector within the EU to the Eastern neighbourhood,” stated EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska. “I am confident that the guidance from our advisors will enhance the project’s development, focusing on improving safety and minimising environmental impact for this vital railway connection, benefitting both Azerbaijan and the region.”
Strategic Importance of the Baku-Boyuk Kesik Line
The Baku-Boyuk Kesik railway is not just a transportation route; it is a lifeline for regional trade and connectivity. Linking Azerbaijan with Georgia and extending towards the Black Sea, this line is crucial for the movement of goods across the Caucasus region. As part of the core TEN-T network, its efficiency and safety are paramount for Azerbaijan’s ambitions to become a major transit hub in Eurasia.
With the EIB’s advisory support, Azerbaijan Railways has taken significant steps to enhance safety at high-risk level crossings along this critical route. The project has also focused on identifying and mitigating risks at uncontrolled livestock and pedestrian crossings, which are often overlooked but pose substantial safety hazards.
This comprehensive approach to rail safety is expected to reduce not only the risk of accidents but also travel times, costs, and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to Azerbaijan’s broader goals of environmental sustainability and economic growth.
A Broader Vision for Regional Connectivity
The EIB’s collaboration with Azerbaijan Railways is part of a larger vision for enhancing connectivity across the Eastern Partnership region. The EPIC initiative, funded by the European Union and managed by the EIB’s JASPERS advisory programme, is designed to support transport projects that align with the EU’s strategic objectives, including the European Green Deal and the Global Gateway.
EPIC offers Eastern Partnership countries, including Azerbaijan, Armenia, Moldova, and Ukraine, free advisory support and technical assistance to improve their transport infrastructure. The programme covers all transport subsectors, from road and rail to air and waterborne transport, with a focus on reducing travel times, eliminating bottlenecks, improving safety, and adapting infrastructure to the challenges of climate change.
In Azerbaijan, the EIB’s advisory services under EPIC have already made a tangible impact. By providing technical expertise and facilitating access to EU funding, the EIB is helping Azerbaijan Railways to modernise its operations and infrastructure to meet international standards.
The Role of the EU in Azerbaijan’s Infrastructure Development
Azerbaijan’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia makes it a key partner in the EU’s efforts to enhance regional connectivity. The country’s ongoing infrastructure development, supported by the EU and its financial institutions, is central to the broader goals of improving trade links, fostering economic growth, and promoting regional integration.
European Union Ambassador to Azerbaijan Peter Michalko emphasised the importance of this partnership: “Azerbaijan’s strategic location, infrastructure development efforts, and potential for enhancing trade and economic cooperation make the country a strategic partner in the context of the extended Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), contributing strongly to better connectivity, better economic development, and better regional integration. The EU works hand in hand with Azerbaijan and with the EIB on key transport and infrastructure projects. We will continue to offer technical assistance, loans, guarantees for infrastructure development, greening, digitalisation as well as to strengthen transport governance.”
The successful completion of this initial project under EPIC is a testament to the strength of this partnership and the shared commitment to improving the safety and efficiency of Azerbaijan’s rail network. It also sets the stage for further collaboration in the years to come, as Azerbaijan continues to modernise its transport infrastructure with the support of the EU and other international partners.
A Safer, Greener Railway Network
Looking ahead, Azerbaijan Railways is poised to build on the successes of this collaboration with the EIB. The insights gained from the EIB’s advisory support will play a crucial role in the next phase of the project, which will involve the implementation of the recommended safety improvements and further enhancements to the Baku-Boyuk Kesik line.
“International cooperation in the field of rail safety and minimizing greenhouse gas emission is a high priority for Azerbaijan railway and we will enhance cooperation with our partners in this field and implement best international standards in rail operations and infrastructure,” said Arif Agayev, Advisor to the Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC.
This commitment to international cooperation and adherence to best practices is essential for Azerbaijan as it seeks to position itself as a key player in the global logistics and transport sector. By improving the safety and efficiency of its rail network, Azerbaijan not only enhances its own economic prospects but also contributes to the broader goals of regional stability and prosperity.
A Bright Future for Azerbaijan’s Railways
The collaboration between Azerbaijan Railways and the EIB represents a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to modernise its transport infrastructure. With the support of the EU and its financial institutions, Azerbaijan is well on its way to developing a safer, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable railway network.
As Azerbaijan continues to invest in its infrastructure and enhance its connectivity with neighbouring countries, the benefits of these efforts will be felt not only within the country but across the entire region. The successful completion of this project is just the beginning of a broader journey towards a more connected, prosperous, and sustainable future for Azerbaijan and its partners.
