How Azerbaijan Saved Russian Order of Minsk Plant

The nuances of the project of suburban train movement resumed between Baku and Sumgait since May 2015 have become known.

A correspondent of the Belarusian TV and Radio Company Ilona Krasutskaya in the report of the meeting of Alexander Lukashenko with the CEO and owner of Stadler Rail Group on August 1 reported that the reason for double-deck suburban electric train procurement by Azerbaijan was Russia's refusal of its own order.

"Last year (2015 - Ed.) the company was faced with certain difficulties. Due to the economic crisis, the Russian side could not buy the full order of double-decker trains for Aeroexpress and it bought only 11. But Stadler Minsk found a way out of this situation. Five trains of the Russian orders were acquired by Azerbaijan," said Krasutskaya.

This explains the sudden onset of the repair work on the railway section Baku-Sumgait in March last year. Starting from 30 May, the first trains reached the line before the first European Games in Baku. The official launch of the 35-km section was on 15 September.

In June 2016 the last of the 5 trains was delivered. They consist of four wagons capable of carrying 919 passengers, including 396 seats and even 84 business class seats. The total value of the contract is EUR 70 million and the maturity is 20 years.

This revelation of the Belarusian reporter indicates that the restoration of the railway does not come from the awakened sense of caring for others by the Azerbaijani leadership and should be explained with some other business interests.

It should be noted that under the current regime a unique circular railway line Baku - Sabunchu - Surakhani – Mardakan was destroyed. The entire infrastructure was stolen and sold.

JSC Azerbaijan Railways received all the contractual party of double-decker passenger trains KISS, ordered from the Swiss company Stadler Group at its plant in Minsk (Stadler Minsk). According to the contract, since May 30 last year, 5 trains have been delivered and tested, consisting of four carriages and able to accommodate 919 passengers, including 396 seats, and even 84 business class seats. Recall, the contract between the Azerbaijan Railways and Stadler Group worth about 70 million Euros was signed on May 13 last year. The funds will be transferred in installments for 20 years. --17D-