Strengthening regional connectivity and upgrading transport infrastructure remain long-standing priorities for Azerbaijan.
But despite decades of investment in the national rail system, several regional lines still operate far below capacity and have yet to realize their full economic potential.
Transport systems expert Rauf Agamirzayev, said to Baku.ws, that he believes the solution may lie in a format widely used across Europe and Asia: rail buses, a hybrid between a light train and a passenger bus designed for low-density routes.
“Rail buses are ideal for lines with limited passenger demand and short distances,” Agamirzayev said.
“They typically operate with one or two carriages, are fuel-efficient, require simple maintenance, and don’t need a large depot. With engine power ranging from 300 to 700 kW and speeds of 80-120 km/h, they offer both social and economic advantages for sparsely populated regions.”
Why This Matters for Azerbaijan
Passenger traffic in Azerbaijan remains heavily concentrated in Baku and the Absheron Peninsula, while many regional routes are underutilized. Rail buses, Agamirzayev argues, could make these lines economically viable and improve mobility in areas where full-scale trains are impractical.
However, he notes that the transition would require modern service facilities, a stable supply of spare parts, and alignment with the current priorities of Azerbaijan Railways (ADY), which is now focused on electrified and high-speed suburban routes.
Potential Routes for Rail Bus Deployment
Agamirzayev outlined several corridors where rail buses could deliver the greatest benefit:
Ganja – Dashkasan: the top candidate for a pilot project, linking a mountainous district to the region’s industrial hub.
Baku – Shirvan: a convenient option for daily commuting between the capital and the Aran region.
Yevlakh – Aghdam: suitable for a low-traffic line in Karabakh.
Imishli – Aghjabadi: a socially important but low-demand route that could be viable with state support.
He also suggested testing rail buses on tourist and regional lines such as Yevlakh-Balakən, Mingachevir-Aghdam, Lankaran-Shirvan, and Sumgayit-Khachmaz.
A Tool for Reviving Regional Rail
According to Agamirzayev, rail buses offer a realistic way to revive restored but underloaded rail lines, improve regional accessibility, and strengthen social mobility.
“They are a practical and cost-effective alternative,” he said, adding that rail buses could play a significant role in reconnecting remote areas and stimulating local development.
