23.08.2025 15:25
Minister Uraloğlu stated that the Zangezur Corridor, whose foundation has been laid, will be the shortest route connecting the Turkish world to the Far East, and added, "We estimate that we will generate a profit of 147.6 billion lira from the Zangezur Corridor over a 30-year projection."
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Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu emphasized the strategic importance of the Zangezur Corridor for the region during his speech at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kars-Iğdır-Aralık-Dilucu Railway Line held in Iğdır.
"THE SHORTEST CONNECTION TO THE TURKISH WORLD"
Uraloğlu stated that the Zangezur Corridor is not only a transportation route but also a strategic investment, saying: "The Zangezur Corridor will be the shortest route connecting the Turkish world, Turkish republics, and the Far East. We will demonstrate a cargo capacity of 15 million tons on this corridor. In a 30-year projection, we expect to generate 135 billion lira in operating income, 3 billion lira in accident costs, 2.1 billion lira in climate benefits, 3.5 billion lira in time savings, and 4 billion lira in road maintenance gains. Thus, we anticipate a total profit of 147.6 billion lira."
SUPPORT FOR THE MIDDLE CORRIDOR
Uraloğlu emphasized that the corridor will also strengthen the Middle Corridor, noting that trade conducted by rail will provide significant time savings compared to maritime transport. The Minister stated, "Our investments will pay off within a certain period," and mentioned that new industrial facilities in Anatolia could be easily established alongside this project.
REGIONAL COOPERATION
Minister Uraloğlu also reminded that discussions with Syria and Jordan in the logistics field are ongoing. He stated that Turkey aims to revive the Gaziantep-Halep railway line and expressed that regional collaborations will enhance the effectiveness of the Zangezur Corridor.
ABOUT THE ZANGEZUR CORRIDOR
Geographical Location and Route
- The Zangezur Corridor aims to provide a direct land connection between the western regions of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.
- The route passes through the Syunik (Zangezur) region of Armenia.
- Once completed, Azerbaijan will connect to Turkey through Nakhchivan and from there to Europe.
Strategic Importance
- It is critical for the direct land connection of the Turkish world. Turkey will be a key route for the Middle Corridor extending to Azerbaijan, Central Asian Turkish Republics, and China.
- It has the potential to change geopolitical balances as it is a route that bypasses Russia and Iran.
- It is also connected to China's "Belt and Road Initiative," thus becoming an important alternative route in Europe-Asia trade.
Economic Contributions
- It is expected to significantly increase the trade volume between Turkey and Azerbaijan.
- With the activation of the railway, time savings will be achieved compared to maritime transportation.
- It will play a triggering role in logistics, energy, and industrial investments in the regional countries.
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