Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway has grown exponentially in its first three years.

Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, connecting three countries was agreed in 2005 by Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. Engineering works started in mid 2008. Project faced several problems and obstacles, causing many delays. The line at last was commissioned in late October 2017. Railway is now getting prepared for 3rd anniversary with exponentially increasing volumes in first three years.

Last year is already doubled

In first 12-months-period after opening, 110k tons of load was carried. In second 12-months-period, volumes increased by 50%. Now in first 10 months of 3rd period, volumes increased by 127%. Volumes are as follows:

By the end of this month, in its 3rd anniversary, volume of 12 month is expected to reach to 450k, which would be 2.5 times of volume of previous period.

Connecting Central Asia to Mediterranean and Europe

BTK railway was in the priority list of TCDD Taşımacılık. Line is mainly being used by Kosekoy (close to Istanbul) and Mersin (port at Mediterranean Sea) contanier trains. The distance from Mersin to Georgia border is 1300 km, which is being crossed by TCDD Taşımacılık in 1.5 days. With fast and reliable service, Mersin Port has become one of the gates of Central Asia to the World. BTK also hosted a few transit trains from Central Asia/China to Europe.

The target is an annual freight volume of 3.2 mn tons in middle term and 6.5 min tons in long term via Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway.

Cover photo: ADY Express ©