First cargo train dispatched on expanded Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway PHOTO

The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway marked a significant milestone with the dispatch of its first cargo train following the recent completion of a major expansion project.

The inaugural freight train, comprising 20 containers, embarked on its journey from the Absheron Logistics Center in Azerbaijan, heading towards Georgia, Report informs citing CJSC Azerbaijan Railways.

The recent expansion has significantly bolstered the BTK railway's annual throughput capacity, increasing it from 1 million tons to 5 million tons.

The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway is a pivotal transportation project linking Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye. Its primary objective is to enhance connectivity and facilitate trade between Europe and Asia, bypassing Russia and Armenia. The railway became operational in October 2017, initially intended to transport both passengers and freight and has since played a significant role in regional logistics.

The BTK railway stretches over 826 kilometres (513 miles), with approximately 504 kilometres in Azerbaijan, 263 kilometres in Georgia, and 59 kilometres in Türkiye. The railway was constructed with the collaboration of the three countries, backed by financial investments and strategic planning to create a seamless transportation corridor. This project was envisioned as part of the larger East-West transport corridor, aiming to strengthen economic ties, promote regional cooperation, and boost the economies of the participating countries.