Train service between Baku and Aghdam, a historic city in Azerbaijan, has been restored following a 32-year suspension.
Azerbaijan's First Multimodal Transport Hub Opens: The Baku-Aghdam Train Service Resumes After Three Decades
A historic moment was marked in Azerbaijan as the Aghdam Railway and Bus Terminal Complex was inaugurated by President Ilham Aliyev. This state-of-the-art complex, situated in Azerbaijan's first multimodal transport hub of its kind, signifies a significant step forward in the country's transportation sector.
The first passenger train to depart from the Baku Railway Station after 28 years, on Saturday 30 August at 7:10 am, marked the resumption of services under Azerbaijan's "Great Return" program. The journey, operated with modern FLIRT trains manufactured by Swiss company Stadler, connects Baku with Aghdam, passing through several stations along the way, including Bilajari, Ujar, Laki, Yevlakh, Barda, Kocharli, and Tezekend.
The Aghdam Railway and Bus Terminal Complex offers travellers four distinct classes of service: Standard, Standard+, Business, and First Class. The facility, equipped with spacious waiting halls, ticket offices, a library, shops, entertainment areas, restaurants, and rest zones, promises a comfortable and convenient travel experience.
Moreover, the complex features parking facilities, bicycle stands, green areas, and electric vehicle charging stations, reflecting Azerbaijan's commitment to sustainable development.
The completion of the Aghdam-Khankendi railway line and the construction of a new multimodal hub in Khankendi, scheduled for completion by 2026, is expected to create a robust regional transport network, stimulating both domestic mobility and cross-border trade.
For international travellers, the prospect of boarding a modern train in Baku and disembarking in Aghdam adds a compelling new itinerary option. Aghdam, with its deep historical significance and symbol of resilience and renewal, offers a unique cultural experience for tourists.
The resumption of services also re-establishes public transport accessibility to the Karabakh economic region, opening new tourism opportunities. The convenience of weekly train services and the affordable ticket prices encourage spontaneous travel, making it easier for both domestic and international visitors to explore Aghdam.
The restored Baku-Aghdam route represents a symbolic reconnection with a city and region once cut off due to conflict. The new Aghdam Railway and Bus Terminal Complex, acting as a gateway for future tourists to explore the city's evolving landscape, symbolizes Aghdam's rebirth.
