AzD: More Than 300 Block Trains Will Be Sent from China via Middle Corridor
Azerbaijan’s Transport Minister Says Block Trains Increased by 41% in 2022
Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (AzD) plans to send more than 300 container block trains from China to Europe through the Middle Corridor this year. Azerbaijan's Transport, Communications, and High Technologies Minister Rashad Nabiyev stated that block trains increased by 41% in 2022, with 256 trains sent from China to Europe.
Middle Corridor an Alternative to Traditional Routes
The Middle Corridor, an international transport route passing through China, Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey, has emerged as an alternative to traditional routes due to geopolitical tensions. The corridor offers a safer and more efficient option for transporting goods between Asia and Europe.
Increased Demand for Block Trains
The demand for block trains, which transport large quantities of goods in a single shipment, has surged due to the reliability and cost-effectiveness they offer compared to traditional sea and air freight. Block trains can transport goods in a shorter time frame, reducing transit times by up to half compared to sea freight.
Benefits of the Middle Corridor
The Middle Corridor provides several advantages, including:
- Shorter transit times than sea freight
- More cost-effective than air freight
- Reduced geopolitical risks compared to traditional routes
- Improved connectivity between Asia and Europe
Azerbaijan's Role in the Middle Corridor
Azerbaijan plays a crucial role in the Middle Corridor, serving as a transit country and a provider of transportation infrastructure. The country has invested heavily in developing its railway network and port facilities to facilitate the smooth flow of goods.
Conclusion
The Middle Corridor is gaining increasing importance as a reliable and efficient alternative for transporting goods between Asia and Europe. Azerbaijan's commitment to developing the corridor and increasing block train services is a testament to its strategic importance in the global supply chain.
