Türkiye begins construction on strategic railway tied to Zangezur Corridor

Türkiye launches $2.8B railway project to anchor Zangezur Corridor

Backed by $2.8 billion in financing, the Kars-Iğdır-Aralık-Dilucu line will span 224 km, carry 5.5 million passengers and 15 million tons of freight annually, and include five tunnels.

Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said the project would serve as a vital segment of the Zangezur Corridor, connecting Türkiye to Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan exclave and reinforcing Ankara’s role as a bridge between Europe and Asia.

The announcement follows a landmark summit in Washington where Azerbaijan, Armenia, and the US signed a joint declaration pledging peace, normalisation, and the reopening of regional transport routes — including Zangezur.

While hailed as a game-changer for South Caucasus trade and transit, the corridor has stirred unease in Iran, which fears losing influence over Armenia. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian raised concerns during his visit to Yerevan earlier this week.

Analysts say the new railway, paired with the peace process, could mark a turning point in regional connectivity.