MINISTRY OF ECONOMY
AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
OF GEORGIA

“The full-scale operation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line is a significant event not only for Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, but also for the entire region and Central Asia,” - Mariam Kvrivishvili, the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development stated. She made this remarks during the official inauguration ceremony of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway highway, which was attended by the Prime Minister of Georgia, as well as Rashad Nabiyev, the Minister of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of Turkey, and David Khudatyan, the Minister of Transport and Energy of Armenia.

According to the Minister, this project stands as a clear example of Georgia’s strategic partnership, joint efforts and long-term state vision.

Mariam Kvrivishvili noted that the close and results-oriented partnership between Georgia and Azerbaijan over the past year made it possible to resolve and successfully finalize important issues required for launching the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars line into full operation. The Minister also emphasized that this process is a crucial step forward for strengthening regional competitiveness, connectivity and economic integration.

“Within the framework of the project, the rehabilitation and construction of the 180-kilometer Marabda-Kartsakhi railway section was carried out on the territory of Georgia. This includes new and rehabilitated bridges, modern standard stations, overpasses, traction substations, the border railway tunnel connecting Georgia and Turkey, and the Akhalkalaki International Railway Station, which is one of the most vital hubs of this project,” – the Minister of Economy stated.

Mariam Kvrivishvili assessed that Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway already represents an important connecting link between Europe, Central Asia and China.

“Global developments in recent years have demonstrated even more clearly the importance of safe, reliable, and predictable transport routes. This is precisely why international interest in the Middle Corridor is growing, and this is why Georgia’s role in this process is strengthening,” – the Minister noted.

It is worth noting that over the past year, the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, together with Marabda-Kartsakhi Railway LLC and Georgian Railway, worked actively with the relevant Azerbaijani agencies to bring this railway line into full operation. As a result of joint coordination and intensive cooperation, it became possible to agree on important project-related matters, make appropriate decisions, and officially launch the line.

“Today clearly demonstrates that regional cooperation, good neighborliness, and partnership based on shared interests create a strong foundation for peace, stability and economic progress,” – the Minister said.

Mariam Kvrivishvili also spoke about the importance of strengthening connectivity between Europe and Asia and the Middle Corridor route, highlighting regional cooperation in this process and the large-scale strategic infrastructure projects that will play a key role in the development of the Middle Corridor route.

“Baku-Tbilisi-Kars is an integral part of Georgia’s long-term transport vision. Along with the Anaklia Deep Sea Port, the East-West Highway, railway modernization, and other large infrastructure projects, it forms a new transport architecture that reinforces Georgia’s role as a reliable partner and one of the main connecting links for trade and transport flows between Europe and Asia,” – Mariam Kvrivishvili stated.

According to the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, container shipments through Georgia involving China and Kazakhstan increased by 33% in 2025, while the number of containers transported via the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars route was nearly six times higher than the previous year’s figure. Mariam Kvrivishvili assessed that these indicators point not only to growing demand, but also to the great potential of the route.

“In this regard, deepening cooperation between Georgia and Azerbaijan is of particular importance. A joint venture was established for the efficient management of the Marabda-Kartsakhi section, while freight operations on this section are exclusively carried out by Georgian Railway,” – the Minister of Economy noted.

The new Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line is a joint strategic project of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey. With the line entering full operation, the project’s capacity will increase up to 5 million tons, which will allow the region to handle additional cargo flows and significantly strengthen its transport capabilities. The total length of the Marabda-Kartsakhi railway section is 180 kilometers. Within the project, 153 kilometers underwent rehabilitation and reconstruction, while a completely new, 27-kilometer railway highway of European standards was constructed.