The new Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway line will officially enter service today, June 2. According to Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, the new line [a joint strategic project of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey] plays a significant role in strengthening connectivity between Europe and Asia.

"The new railway route creates additional transit capacity in the region, substantially contributes to the diversification of freight flow routes, and enhances the region’s overall connectivity.

The total length of the Marabda–Kartsakhi railway section is 180 km. As part of the project, 153 km of existing railway were rehabilitated and reconstructed, while 27 km of entirely new railway line, built to European standards, were constructed from scratch.

The volume of freight carried on the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway line has been growing year on year. Once the line is fully operational, the project’s capacity will rise to 5 million tonnes per year. This will allow the region to accommodate increased freight volumes and greatly improve its transportation capabilities.

The entry of this railway section into full operation was made possible as a result of the signing of a bilateral coordination council protocol by the Minister of Economy, Mariam Kvrivishvili, and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev.