Rovshan Rustamov: TRIPP is designed from outset with expansion potential

The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) is a strategically significant project that will directly connect Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan through Armenia and integrate with Türkiye's railway network, Rovshan Rustamov, Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways (ADY), said in an interview with NE Global, Report informs.

He noted that Türkiye has already begun construction of its 224-kilometer segment, demonstrating firm political and financial commitment. "On the Azerbaijani side, construction of the 110-kilometer Horadiz–Aghbend railway, launched in 2021, is progressing intensively and is set for completion in 2026. Eight new stations - Yukhary Marjanly, Shukurbayli, Soltanly, Gumlag, Hakyari, Mindzhivan, Bartaz and Aghband - are being built along the route. So far, 85% of project work and 68% of construction-installation work have been completed."

Rustamov added that the feasibility study for the reconstruction and modernization of Nakhchivan's railway infrastructure is finished, with design work now underway. Once completed, construction of a new, modern railway network will begin.

According to him, TRIPP is being designed from the outset with expansion potential. "Its initial capacity will support stable cargo flows, and the infrastructure can be scaled up when needed. In the future, TRIPP could rival the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars line in freight volume, while boosting the resilience of the transport network by providing Azerbaijan with multiple alternative corridors," Rustamov said.