Azernews.Az

By Nigar Abbasova

The state-owned rail transport operator Azerbaijan Railways implemented a testing of one of the sections of North-South railway project.

Spokesman for Azerbaijan Railways Nadir Azmammadov said that the procedure was carried out on the 8.3 kilometer section of the railway running from Astara till the border with Iran.

He added that work on the construction of the railroad bridge over the Astarachay River nears completion.

The construction of the bridge, which forms the border between the two similarly-named towns of Astara in Azerbaijan and Iran, was launched in April 2016. Some four bridge footing, as well as abutments and concrete bridge railings have already been installed. The length of the railroad bridge is expected to reach 82.5 meters, while its width will amount to 10.6 meters.

The bridge, which is funded and built jointly by the two countries under the terms of an inter-governmental agreement, bears strategic importance, as it will serve as a connector of railways of Azerbaijan and Iran. The facility will be an integral part of the Astara (Azerbaijan) - Astara (Iran) railway, which is part of the North-South international transport corridor.

Moreover, during the testing, a delegation of railway employees headed by Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways Javid Gurbanov held a meeting with the head of the Iranian railways, Mohsen Purseid Agai.

The role and participation of Azerbaijan in such international transport corridors as North-South and West-East was hailed during the meeting. The sides also made an inspection of the area, which is allocated for the construction of freight terminal.

The North -South, which will serve as a link connecting the railways of Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia is expected to bring huge benefits to the Azerbaijani budget. Some five million tons of freight per year is expected to be transported by means of the corridor in the initial stage with the further increase to more than 10 million tons.

The route enjoys several advantages compared to other transport corridors, as it is considered to be more profitable for each parameter than other alternative routes, including reduction of the distance and delivery time two or threefold

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Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

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