The Astrakhan Region has revealed plans to potentially launch a container train service from Baku, as Azerbaijan expresses interest in boosting cargo turnover with the region. The proposed route for the train would connect Astara (Iran) – Baku (Azerbaijan) – Astrakhan (Russia), leveraging the railway infrastructure at Kutum Station in Astrakhan. This information was shared by the Ministry of External Relations of the Astrakhan Region.
According to the ministry, most goods traded between Azerbaijan and the Astrakhan Region are transported via the western branch of the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC). This route not only serves Azerbaijan but also manages transit shipments from Iran, Turkey, and India destined for Russia. Azerbaijan Railways is currently exploring the feasibility of using the Kutum hub to facilitate the new container train service. Representatives from Azerbaijan Railways recently visited Astrakhan and gave positive feedback on the cooperation potential.
The region is also focused on increasing cargo flow through the Trans-Caspian section of the North-South ITC. With ongoing developments in the Caspian cluster's port infrastructure and container hub capacity, the ministry expects maritime freight connections with Azerbaijan to become more significant.
In 2023, companies from Astrakhan exported a variety of agricultural products to Azerbaijan, including vegetables, fish, and livestock. Notably, Astrakhan sent 1.2 thousand tons of potatoes to Azerbaijan for the first time. In May 2024, a cooperation program was signed between the Astrakhan Region and the Azerbaijani government for 2024-2026. This agreement focuses on expanding freight transportation via Astrakhan's logistics hubs and promoting mutual business missions, exhibitions, and cultural, educational, youth, and sports events.
In 2023, approximately 100 thousand tons of cargo were handled at the Kutum Station logistics hub, which has an annual capacity to manage over 1 million tons of import and export cargo.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
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Based on materials from TASS