Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (AR) is taking active steps to modernize its training system for the railway industry. A significant milestone in this direction was the signing of an agreement on November 19 in Baku for the establishment of the AR Training and Development Center. The agreement was signed between the Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways, Rovshan Rustamov, and the Executive Vice President of the Swiss company Stadler Rail Group, Daniel Baer.
Daniel Baer noted that the creation of the Center is a significant outcome of the long-standing cooperation between the two companies. He emphasized that the training center will be equipped with cutting-edge technologies that meet global standards and will serve as a vital platform for training future train operators and technical maintenance specialists. According to him, Stadler Rail Group is proud of its contribution to the development of Azerbaijan’s railway sector and the region as a whole.
The concept development process for the Center began long before the agreement was signed. Over the course of a year, AR specialists studied best practices in staff training from Germany, Turkey, and Spain. The concept of the future Center was developed in collaboration with the Deutsche Bahn Rail Academy.
The Center is planned to open in 2027 and will be fully equipped for both theoretical and practical staff training. One of the Center’s primary objectives will be the preparation of specialists for the operation and maintenance of next-generation rolling stock, including Stadler locomotives, which are actively used in the region. Specialists trained at the Center will play a key role in servicing international transport corridors, including the Middle Corridor, significantly enhancing Azerbaijan’s position as a key logistics hub.
The Center will be housed in a specially constructed four-story building featuring classrooms, computer laboratories, simulator halls, offices, and service areas. Accommodation facilities will be provided for AR staff traveling from the regions for training in Baku. An innovative feature of the Center will be the use of solar panels to supply its energy needs, aligning with ESG (environmental, social, and governance) principles and contributing to carbon footprint reduction.
Stadler Rail Group will finance the design, construction, and outfitting of the Center. Special attention will be given to simulators that will allow future train operators and technical personnel to hone their skills in real-world conditions. Additionally, the Center will host management training programs tailored to modern trends in the railway industry.
The creation of the Center aims to address pressing challenges faced by AR. Currently, nearly half of the technical service staff require skill upgrades to meet new technological standards. In 2024, AR allocated 1 million manats for employee training. Over the first 10 months of the year, approximately 5,000 employees completed 225 qualification improvement courses, including specialists from regional offices. For them, remote training programs have also been implemented through the “AnzerA” platform.
Additionally, AR is working on the “Training Train” project, which will enable practical training in real operating conditions. Special attention is also being given to educating young specialists abroad. Notably, a group of students who won AR’s scholarship program recently began their studies at the Russian Transport University. Negotiations are underway to establish partnerships with leading transport universities in China and Russia.
The Training and Development Center will not only serve as a platform for professional training but also as a critical element of AR’s strategy for modernizing Azerbaijan’s railway industry. It will contribute to strengthening international transport connections, fostering innovation, and improving service quality in the railway sector.
