Turkey advances 224 km railway to Nakhchivan, key to Middle Corridor
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Turkey is advancing construction of a 224-kilometer railway from Kars to the Diluju border crossing, aiming to link directly with Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan exclave. The dual-track electrified line will have a freight capacity of 15 million tonnes per year and cut travel time between Kars and the border to 85 minutes. The project, financed with €2.4 billion in external loans, is a key segment of the Middle Corridor connecting Europe and Central Asia.
Route and Infrastructure
The railway branches off the Kars-Tbilisi line at its 12th kilometer and extends 224 kilometers to the Diluju border post. It includes five stations—Digor, Tuzluca, Igdir, Aralyk, and Diluju—along with five tunnels, 19 cut-and-cover tunnels, three viaducts, 10 bridges, 144 underground crossings, 27 overpasses, and 480 culverts. The dual-track, fully electrified and signalled line is designed for speeds allowing an 85-minute journey from Kars to Diluju. Its projected annual capacity is 15 million tonnes of freight and 5.5 million passengers.
Middle Corridor Integration
Ankara views the Kars-Nakhchivan link as a critical component of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, or Middle Corridor, a modern Silk Road bypassing Russia. The line establishes a direct rail connection between Turkey and Azerbaijan, closing a gap in east-west freight networks. It is expected to increase cargo volumes and reduce delivery times between Asia and Europe, complementing China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Turkish officials say the route will strengthen ties with Central Asian states and enhance regional logistics.
Funding and Timeline
The project is backed by €2.4 billion in external financing secured by Turkey’s Ministry of Treasury and Finance. Construction began nearly a year ago, with the latest footage showing active work across the route. While no exact completion date has been disclosed, the railway is a priority under Turkey’s 2053 transport master plan and is being built alongside other corridor improvements. Once operational, it will integrate with existing lines to form a seamless link from Nakhchivan to Kars and beyond.
What's Next
Turkish officials are expected to announce contracts for signaling and station facilities in the coming months. The full benefits of the railway, however, depend on complementary infrastructure in Nakhchivan and the broader Zangezur corridor, the timelines for which remain uncertain.
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Turkey advances 224 km railway to Nakhchivan, key to Middle Corridor
