The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line was officially opened

The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway corridor officially commenced operations on June 2, 2026, marking a pivotal development in the region's transport connectivity. The opening ceremony convened senior transportation and economic officials from Georgia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, alongside delegations from Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, reflecting the project's strategic importance for trade routes connecting Europe and Central Asia.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze detailed the Georgian section's scope, spanning 180 kilometers from Marabda to the Turkish border. The infrastructure initiative encompassed the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 153 kilometers of existing railway and the construction of 27 kilometers of entirely new railway infrastructure built to modern international standards.

The railway operated in test mode since 2017, during which time it transported over 1.8 million tons of cargo. Kobakhidze emphasized that upon reaching full operational capacity, the corridor will facilitate the annual movement of 5 million tons of freight, substantially enhancing the region's transit competitiveness and strengthening the continental connection between Europe and Asia through the Middle Corridor framework.

Addressing questions regarding Armenia's potential participation in corridor expansion, Kobakhidze underscored the nation's significant role in enhancing Georgia's connectivity and transit functions. Georgia has declared its readiness to strengthen cooperation with Armenia across multiple dimensions, particularly in developing comprehensive transit capabilities. Officials indicated their commitment to pursuing active engagement in broadening partnership opportunities with neighboring countries through this critical strategic infrastructure.