Azerbaijan is getting a new rail training and development centre following an agreement between Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) and rolling stock manufacturer Stadler. The expertise to be acquired is also supposed to help develop the Middle Corridor.
The centre, which will open in 2027, “will focus on training young and professional railway specialists, addressing the need for strategic workforce development”, says ADY. It will train maintenance staff as well as drivers for Stadler trains.
Currently, half of all ADY staff are in need of technical training to keep up with modern technical and innovative trends, the rail operator explains. The centre is supposed to help maintain a sufficiently skilled staff, and will therefore be equipped with training and simulator rooms and computer laboratories.
Expertise good for Middle Corridor
ADY explains that the centre was developed in collaboration with Deutsche Bahn’s Rail Academy after studying similar projects in Germany, Türkiye, and Spain. “The centre will enhance practical and theoretical training in the railway sector, strengthen ties with educational institutions, and integrate international expertise into Azerbaijan’s railway system”, the rail operator says.
Such expertise is supposed to benefit not only Azerbaijan, but also the wider region through the development of the Middle Corridor. “[The training centre] will also significantly facilitate the preparation of professional staff to contribute to the development of international transport corridors passing through Azerbaijan, such as the Middle Corridor, cementing ADY’s strategic position in global trade”, ADY commented.
Stadler’s design
Stadler will be responsible for the design, construction and equipment of the centre. “We are proud to have signed an agreement to support the establishment of a state-of-the-art training and development centre as part of our cooperation with ADY”, said Daniel Baer, Stadler executive vice president.
“The training centre will be equipped with the latest technology and will meet all the requirements for training future train drivers and our maintenance team. Stadler is thus making an important contribution to the promotion of the railway in Azerbaijan and the whole region. We are looking forward to realising the project together with ADY”, Baer concluded.