BTK rail corridor works get final acceptance

The BTK rail corridor has received final acceptance for its modernisation works. Azerbaijan and Georgia signed a protocol approving completion under the project. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

According to AZERTAC, the document was signed by Rashad Nabiyev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Transport and Digital Development, and Mariam Kvrivishvili, Georgia’s Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development. The signing ceremony took place on 18 May in the presence of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.

Under the protocol, the two countries commit to coordinating and implementing works on the railway section from Marabda to the Turkish border at Kartsakhi. These works include rehabilitation, reconstruction and construction. This section is part of the wider Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway corridor project.

Also, the event marked the launch of BTKI Railways. The joint venture was created by subsidiaries of Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) and Marabda–Kartsakhi Railway. Railway Supply has also covered the establishment of the joint venture for the modernisation of the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway line.

BTK rail corridor capacity increased after modernisation

ADY carried out modernisation works in 2024 on the 184 km section of the BTK corridor crossing Georgia to increase its transport capacity. The five-phase programme covered upgrades to 13 railway stations, 55 bridges, 8 traction substations and 320 buildings. It also covered multiple engineering structures, including bridges, viaducts and level crossings.

In addition, the project included the construction of 30.3 km of new railway line. It also included the establishment of a bogie exchange station. Rehabilitation and reconstruction works were carried out on 153.1 km of existing railway line.

The works were delivered in difficult terrain. Some sections are located at elevations of up to 2,400 metres above sea level. They are also exposed to harsh climatic conditions. As a result, annual transport capacity on the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars corridor increased from 1 million tonnes to 5 million tonnes.

Role in the Middle Corridor freight route

The modernisation aims to turn the BTK into one of the main freight arteries of the Middle Corridor. It also aims to strengthen its competitiveness. The upgrade makes the route more functional. It also positions the route as one of the shortest and most flexible overland links between China and Central Asia and Europe.

Separately, ADY has completed major repair works on the Baku–Boyuk Kasik section on the Azerbaijani side of the project. The company has also modernised the energy system. Last year, the Boyuk Kasik–Hajigabul section of the BTK line was converted to alternating current. Communication and signalling systems were also upgraded.

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