GANJA, Azerbaijan, June 5. The European Union
(EU) considers the restoration of the Nakhchivan railway to be one
of the most important projects, Victor Bojkov, Head of the
Cooperation Section of the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan, said during
a media briefing in Ganja dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the
EU–Azerbaijan partnership and projects implemented in Ganja,
Trend reports.
According to him, one of the largest investment projects
currently being reviewed by the European Union is the restoration
of the railway infrastructure in the Nakhchivan Autonomous
Republic.
"At one time, this railway was an important transport line
connecting the Caspian Sea with the Black Sea. However, the line
has been neglected for many years and is in need of major
overhaul," he said.
Viktor Bojkov noted that a few weeks ago, a joint inspection of
the Julfa–Nakhchivan railway line was carried out together with
experts.
"Currently, it is impossible for trains to travel at a speed of
more than 20 kilometers per hour on that section. Nevertheless, the
unanimous conclusion of the experts was that the railway line is
still viable and can be restored with the right investment," he
emphasized.
The EU official stated that bridges, crossings, and sections
located along the border were also inspected during the visit.
According to him, the railway line runs very close to the Araz
River and the border in some areas.
"This project is one of national importance, and I think one of
the main initiatives that will be remembered from today's
presentations is precisely the Nakhchivan railway project," Bojkov
added.
He noted that a number of investment projects are also being
implemented in Ganja with the support of the European Union.
One of these projects relates to water resource management,
while another involves updating the city's street lighting
system.
"The creation of a modern and energy-efficient street lighting
system for Ganja is of great importance in terms of both safety and
energy efficiency," he concluded.
