TBILISI, June 1 – The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line will officially enter full operation on Tuesday, Georgia’s economic development ministry announced, providing one key link in the transport chain between Asia and Europe.
The line links Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey and is one of the region’s most important transport projects. Georgian officials say it will strengthen connections between Europe and Asia, add new freight capacity and give cargo operators more options for moving goods across the South Caucasus.
The project is also central to the broader Middle Corridor, the trans-Caspian trade route connecting China and Central Asia with Europe through the South Caucasus and Turkey. Interest in that route has grown as countries and companies look for alternatives to traditional routes through Russia.
According to the ministry, the Georgian section from Marabda to Kartsakhi is 180 kilometers long. As part of the project, 153 kilometers were rehabilitated or reconstructed, while 27 kilometers of entirely new railway line were built to European standards.
The ministry said freight volumes on the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars line have been growing every year. With the line entering full operation, the project’s capacity will increase to 5 million tons, giving the region more room to handle additional cargo flows and strengthening its transport role.
The move follows a protocol signed in Baku during a visit by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. The document was signed by Georgia’s Economy and Sustainable Development Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev.
The railway is a joint strategic project by Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey. For Georgia, it is part of a wider effort to position the country as a transit hub between the Caspian region, Turkey and Europe.
