Azerbaijan, Georgia step up rail integration with emphasis on BTK line PHOTO

Azerbaijan and Georgia have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing rail cooperation, with a particular focus on the strategic Baku–Tbilisi–Kars (BTK) railway, as the two sides met in Baku to discuss further integration and development.

The Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC, Rovshan Rustamov, held talks with the newly appointed CEO of Georgian Railways, Lasha Abashidze, Caliber.Az reports.

Discussions centred on modernising the Georgian segment of the BTK line and its vital role within the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor.

The parties emphasised the importance of improving the operational efficiency of BTKI Railways – the joint venture overseeing the BTK – especially following the line’s expanded annual freight capacity to 5 million tonnes. 

They also explored ways to attract new cargo flows and accelerate the implementation of a roadmap signed in June aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation.

Officials noted that both railway agencies are actively exchanging operational data to better coordinate and streamline joint activities. Strengthening engagement through working groups and regular bilateral meetings was cited as a key step towards optimising East–West–East freight transit via Azerbaijani and Georgian territory.

Efforts are also underway to introduce a paperless freight documentation system and to launch a "Track and Trace" cargo monitoring platform by the end of the year – both part of broader digitalisation goals for the Middle Corridor.

By Aghakazim Guliyev