BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 3. Important decisions have been made to double the speed of border crossing in freight transportation by rail between Azerbaijan and Georgia.
This was reported by Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY), one of the AZCON Holding companies.
According to the report, a meeting was held for this purpose at Boyuk Kesik station with the participation of the heads of the railway administrations of Azerbaijan and Georgia, as well as relevant state agencies.
The meeting discussed the expansion of cooperation in the railway sector, increasing the efficiency of international freight and passenger transportation. The process of freight train crossing on the Azerbaijan-Georgia border, factors causing time loss, and opportunities for reducing border crossing times were reviewed. The parties also exchanged views on strengthening regional transport ties and increasing the competitiveness of the Middle Corridor.
During the meeting, it was noted that one of the main topics was the expansion of digital solutions and electronic data exchange. The possibilities of real-time electronic exchange of information on trains and cargo between ADY and Georgian Railways were discussed in detail, the expansion of integration between the information systems of relevant state agencies, including customs departments, was considered, and relevant decisions were made.
Preparatory work on organizing an additional flight on the Baku-Tbilisi route was also discussed. In order to increase the comfort of passengers, the importance of simplifying border and customs procedures, implementing control processes more flexibly, and within a specified time frame was noted.
A separate working meeting was also held to increase the efficiency of freight transportation between Azerbaijan and Georgia and strengthen the transit capabilities of the Middle Corridor. At the meeting, a decision was made to organize uninterrupted operation of ADY electric locomotives on the Boyuk Kesik-Tbilisi-Boyuk Kesik route without separation of the train composition.
The parties emphasized the importance of applying a new approach to eliminating the duplication of technical inspection procedures for wagons. According to the new approach, the wagon inspection, which was previously carried out at both Boyuk Kesik and Gardabani stations, is planned to be carried out only at Boyuk Kesik station on the Azerbaijan-Georgia route, and at Tbilisi Junction station on the Georgia-Azerbaijan direction. This optimization will allow for more flexible organization of border crossings and a 2-fold reduction in the transit time of freight trains. Flexible freight operations on the route have already been successfully tested.
Besides, during the meeting, it was pointed out that this innovation will create conditions for the transition of railway cooperation between Azerbaijan and Georgia to a new stage, increasing the competitiveness of freight transportation on the Middle Corridor and reducing transit time. At the same time, it will contribute to a more sustainable operation of the international logistics chain, the connection of additional wagons to passenger trains, and more flexible implementation of operations when organizing new flights.
ADY continues its activities together with international partners in the direction of updating the railway infrastructure, optimizing transportation processes, and implementing digital solutions. The goal is to further strengthen Azerbaijan's position as one of the leading transport and logistics centers in the region.
In recent years, ADY has implemented large-scale infrastructure projects in the direction of Boyuk Kesik. As a result of the work done, the throughput capacity of the border crossing point has been significantly increased, the railway infrastructure has been updated in accordance with modern requirements, and the possibilities for receiving and sending trains have been expanded.
The introduction of digital management systems in the area has also increased the reliability of international transit transportation. It was emphasized that these investments significantly contribute to strengthening the transit potential of the Middle Corridor and the transport and logistics capabilities of the region.
