Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) CJSC has launched the design and construction phase for the modernization of energy supply, signaling, and communication systems on the Bilajari-Yalama railway line.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the project is part of a strategic initiative to enhance the efficiency of Azerbaijan's transit corridors. The government of Azerbaijan has applied to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for financial resources to support the reconstruction of these vital systems. Interested parties are invited to submit their proposals by May 29.
This project is an integral component of a broader program aimed at modernizing the 25 kV AC power supply, signaling, and telecommunications along the Bilajari-Yalama and Baku-Boyuk Kasik railway sections. These routes form the backbone of the North-South and East-West transport corridors passing through Azerbaijan. The Bilajari-Yalama section, which serves as a crucial link in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), consists of approximately 192 km of double-track railway and 15 stations. The entire scope of work, including the design phase, is expected to be completed within 42 months.
The Bilajari-Yalama line is a conventional double-track railway with a 1,520 mm gauge, handling both passenger and freight traffic. While the physical restoration of the tracks was recently completed, the existing signaling and communication infrastructure has become technologically obsolete. The modernization aims to increase safety levels, operational speeds, and overall productivity while ensuring the reliability of railway services. The project includes the installation of contact networks and signaling systems on at least 50 km of the main line and the assembly of communication systems at a minimum of five stations.
The ADB is considering a $325 million loan for the electrification, signaling, and telecommunications project, with approval by the ADB Board of Directors scheduled for June 17, 2027. The project will be co-financed by the ADB, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and the government of Azerbaijan. This infrastructure upgrade is vital for Azerbaijan's ambition to become a premier regional logistics hub, facilitating faster transit between Russia, Iran, and the Persian Gulf via the North-South corridor.
