Kazakh Railways (KTZ) is set to develop an intermodal freight terminal at the port of Alyat in Azerbaijan to enhance the flow of goods along the Middle Corridor, according to Rail Freight. This move aims to strengthen Kazakhstan's position as a central hub for transcontinental rail freight between Asia and Europe.
The new terminal will serve as a vital transshipment point for goods crossing the Caspian Sea, which separates Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. KTZ highlighted that this project aligns with the national strategy to integrate Kazakhstan into international transport routes. It is expected to increase the volume of container trains running along the China-Europe-China route, shorten delivery times, and reduce both transportation and transshipment costs.
A key advantage of the project is the support provided by Azerbaijan, which has allocated a land plot, berths, and terminal facilities for the new hub. KTZ's investment will include the development of a universal freight area, a 5,000 square-meter covered warehouse, and a container area capable of handling over 1,000 units.
The agreement to build the terminal was signed in collaboration with the Azerbaijani SK-AIH Investment Fund, Baku International Sea Trade Port, and China's Xi'an Free Trade Port Construction and Operation company.
The expansion of the Middle Corridor will be a central topic at the upcoming European Silk Road Summit 2024 in Vienna, where the future of Asia-Europe rail freight will be discussed.
Earlier, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement focused on green energy development and transmission. At COP29, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that renewable energy is not just an economic goal but a responsibility to future generations.
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