Modernisation of Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway
The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway project, initiated on November 27, 2007, and inaugurated on October 30, 2017, spans approximately 850 kilometers, with over 500 kilometers traversing Azerbaijani territory. Recognized as the shortest and most reliable link between Europe and Asia, the BTK railway has bolstered Azerbaijan’s logistics infrastructure within the strategic “East-West” transport corridor.
As a key element of the Eurasian transport network, the BTK line has played a pivotal role in fostering regional stability and security while significantly increasing freight capacity. Following modernization works completed in 2024 on the Georgian segment, the annual carrying capacity of the railway has expanded from 1 million tons to 5 million tons, marking a substantial enhancement in its operational efficiency and demonstrating the project's success.
The comprehensive modernization in Georgia encompassed five key stages: Marabda-Tetriskaro, Tetriskaro-Tsalka, Tsalka-Akhalkalaki, Akhalkalaki-Kartsakhi, and the Akhalkalaki complex. Spanning 110 hectares, the Akhalkalaki complex saw the renovation of critical infrastructure, including one viaduct, four bridges, two drainage pipes, two road crossings, and two underground pedestrian crossings. Additional upgrades included snow protection walls, 17.9 kilometers of new contact network, enhanced traction substation power, 48 kilometers of station tracks, and 3.9 kilometers of roads. The project utilized advanced technologies and modern European-made equipment to ensure long-term efficiency and reliability.
The first freight train on the upgraded BTK line departed from the Absheron Logistics Center on May 20, 2024, carrying 20 containers of cargo. This inaugural journey marked the resumption of freight transport along the line, with the train delivering 632 tons of plastic raw material from Baku to Kars.
The modernized BTK railway is now a vital component of the Middle Corridor, facilitating efficient westward and eastward cargo transport between China, Central Asia, and Europe. Its enhanced capacity strengthens Azerbaijan’s role as a critical hub in the region’s logistics network.