Azerbaijan has presented a new batch of AC50 freight locomotives manufactured in China at the Balajari railway depot.

Seven locomotives have already arrived at the depot, while another 14 units ordered by Azerbaijan are expected to be delivered later, according to Azerbaijan Railways CJSC.

Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, head of the press service of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC, said the new locomotives will operate on both the Middle Corridor and the TRIPP route.

The mainline locomotives were produced by China’s CRRC Ziyang Co., Ltd. and feature advanced technologies and an innovative traction system. Their high tractive power and large fuel capacity are designed to improve the handling of heavy freight trains.

The diesel locomotives are equipped with modern control and safety systems. A 90-day maintenance interval is expected to support more reliable and continuous operations, while a 2,000-liter main reservoir and dual-compressor system enable the locomotives to haul long freight trains.

The AC50 model also allows two locomotives to be coupled and controlled by a single locomotive crew. This configuration can increase freight capacity, improve operational efficiency when hauling heavy trains and make more effective use of the locomotive fleet.

The AC50 meets UIC Stage IIIA environmental standards, allowing the locomotives to operate in areas with specific emissions requirements.

Azerbaijan Railways said it will continue modernizing its locomotive fleet and expanding the technical capabilities of rolling stock for both freight and passenger services as cargo volumes grow along international transport corridors.