President Ilham Aliyev Inaugurates Ahmadbayli-Fuzuli-Shusha Highway
Fuzuli, The Gulf Observer: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev inaugurated the newly constructed Ahmadbayli-Fuzuli-Shusha highway on July 3, marking a major milestone in the country’s post-conflict reconstruction and infrastructure development efforts.
During the ceremony, Saleh Mammadov, Chairman of the Board of the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads, provided a detailed briefing to the President on the scope and significance of the completed works.
The newly built highway spans 81.7 kilometers, reducing the original 101-kilometer distance by 19.3 kilometers. Constructed to first-class technical standards, the initial 48 kilometers of the route consist of six lanes, while the remaining 33.7 kilometers comprise four lanes.
The large-scale project includes key infrastructure components such as one interchange, 11 bridges, seven tunnels, six viaducts, and several underpasses. The combined length of the bridges alone totals 1,557 meters. Notably, concrete work on some viaducts was completed using the horizontal sliding formwork method—a first for Azerbaijan. The road is equipped with reinforced concrete and metal guardrails, as well as a modern lighting system to ensure safe and efficient transportation.
Originating from the Hajigabul-Horadiz-Aghband-Zangezur corridor highway, the Ahmadbayli-Fuzuli-Shusha highway strategically links the liberated districts of Fuzuli, Khojavend, Khojaly, and Shusha, enhancing connectivity across the Karabakh region.
Strategic and Economic Significance
The highway was constructed as part of the First State Program on the Great Return to the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan, a key national initiative aimed at revitalizing infrastructure and enabling the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons.
In addition to improving regional connectivity, the highway serves as a critical segment of several international transport corridors traversing Azerbaijan. It is expected to significantly enhance trade logistics, bolster tourism, and stimulate socio-economic development in the liberated areas.
The inauguration of the Ahmadbayli-Fuzuli-Shusha highway reaffirms Azerbaijan’s commitment to rebuilding and modernizing the Karabakh region, fostering sustainable growth, and strengthening the country’s role as a regional transit hub.
