Azerbaijan.US
Discussions around reopening the Sadarak-Yerasx railway line have resurfaced amid signs of gradual normalization between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The issue is gaining attention not only because of regional diplomacy, but also due to its potential economic and logistical implications.
The Sadarak–Yerasx segment is a long-idle railway connection that stopped operating in the early 1990s following Armenia’s blockade of Nakhchivan. Historically, this route formed part of a broader network linking mainland Azerbaijan, Nakhchivan, Armenia, and onward connections to Türkiye.
Recent expert assessments suggest that reopening the line would represent a key functional element of regional transport normalization, closely linked to broader discussions around unblocking communications in the South Caucasus.
According to analysts, the railway could significantly alter cargo logistics for Armenia. Goods arriving from Russia and other markets are currently transported primarily via Georgia, a route that is longer and more expensive. Transit through Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan would provide a shorter, more cost-effective alternative, especially for bulk cargo and energy-related supplies.
For Azerbaijan, the reopening of the Sadarak–Yerasx line would reinforce Nakhchivan’s connectivity and strengthen east-west transport continuity. In the longer term, the line could integrate with routes leading toward Kars–Gyumri, enabling railway access between Armenia and Türkiye – a development with clear economic implications.
Experts note that Armenia’s growing interest in reopening communications is driven largely by economic considerations. Improved transit access could ease logistical constraints, lower import costs, and expand export routes, particularly at a time of regional and global economic pressure.
At the same time, analysts caution that no political decision has yet been finalized. While Azerbaijani and Armenian representatives have reportedly conducted joint technical assessments of the infrastructure, discussions remain at a preparatory stage.
If implemented, the reopening of the Sadarak–Yerasx railway would not merely restore an old track – it would signal a structural shift in regional connectivity, with potential consequences for trade flows, political leverage, and long-term stability in the South Caucasus.
