Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) has signed an agreement with China’s CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive to purchase four new passenger trains as part of efforts to modernize its fleet and expand rail services across the country.

The agreement was signed on October 27 by ADY Chairman Rovshan Rustamov and CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive head Wang Qiaolin, according to ADY.

Rustamov said the new trains would support plans to expand passenger services and gradually restore rail connections to Yalama, Minjivan and Astara by 2030. The previously announced Baku-Khankendi passenger route is also planned to enter service.

Each train will consist of seven carriages and measure approximately 135 meters in length. The trains will have a maximum operating speed of 140 km/h and a design speed of 160 km/h.

Each train will provide 434 passenger seats across three classes: first, business and standard. The delivery of all four trains is expected within two years under the contract.

ADY said the new trains would offer passengers more comfortable, accessible and modern travel options while helping improve transport links between Baku and the regions.

Restoring services to Yalama, Minjivan and Astara is expected to improve access to education, healthcare and employment, while supporting domestic tourism and regional businesses.

The planned Khankendi and Minjivan connections are also intended to strengthen the integration of Karabakh and East Zangezur into Azerbaijan’s national transport network and improve connectivity for residents returning to the region.

Meanwhile, under Azerbaijan’s 2025-2030 state program to improve transport infrastructure in Baku and its suburbs, officials are discussing the technical and commercial aspects of purchasing 20 additional passenger trains and 50 sleeper carriages for intercity services. Proposals from foreign companies are being evaluated.