Zangezur Corridor: New Transport Artery of Eurasia

Introduction

The Zangezur Corridor is a large-scale transport and logistics project aimed at connecting the main part of Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic through the southern territory of Armenia. The project includes the construction and modernization of railway and highway routes, as well as the development of supporting logistics infrastructure.

In practice, the Zangezur Corridor represents a segment of a broader transport route linking Europe, the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and China. Its implementation promises to transform the region into a significant hub for international trade and logistics.

Geopolitical Significance

Azerbaijan sees the corridor as a key element of post-war peacebuilding and the restoration of control over its entire territory. Under the Tripartite Statement signed on November 10, 2020, Armenia committed to ensuring transport connectivity between mainland Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan.

Türkiye views the Zangezur Corridor as a land bridge to the Turkic world. Turkish Minister of Transport Abdulkadir Uraloglu noted that the project “will connect Türkiye with Azerbaijan and further with Central Asia,” strengthening economic, energy, and diplomatic ties among Turkic states.

China sees the corridor as part of its strategy to diversify logistics routes within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.
the Zangezur route aligns fully with China’s interest in creating alternative overland corridors that bypass geopolitically unstable areas.

Economic and Strategic Importance

The corridor may become part of major international routes such as “North–South” and “East–West,” enhancing transportation connectivity between Europe and Asia.
It can serve as a “golden link” in this global route, reducing logistics costs and deepening economic interdependence among participating countries.

Current stage of implementation

Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu noted that Türkiye has already begun construction of the 224 km long Kars-Dilucu line. It is planned to modernize 158 km of the Ordubad-Nakhchivan railway line and build a new 14-kilometer section.

Azerbaijan is completing the construction of the Horadiz-Agbend section, actively investing in infrastructure and logistics hubs.

Armenia, in turn, has not yet begun construction of its part of the corridor. This remains a key obstacle.

Conclusion

The Zangezur Corridor is an ambitious project that extends far beyond regional significance. It opens new avenues for trade, logistics, and economic development for the South Caucasus countries, transforming them from simple transit territories into active participants in global logistics. If implemented effectively, the corridor could become one of the most vital transport routes in Eurasia in the 21st century.