Kobakhidze Says BTK Railway Will Boost Middle Corridor and Regional Transit Potential
By Messenger Staff
Wednesday,June 3, 2026
Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has described the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway as a project of historic importance that will strengthen regional connectivity and boost the role of the Middle Corridor in global trade.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony of the railway line, Kobakhidze said the project reflects the strategic partnership between Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Türkiye and further connects Europe and Asia through a key transport route.
According to the prime minister, the Georgian section of the railway spans 180 kilometers from Marabda to the Turkish border, including the rehabilitation of 153 kilometers of track and the construction of 27 kilometers of new railway infrastructure.
Kobakhidze noted that since entering test operations in 2017, the railway has transported more than 1.8 million tons of cargo and up to 90,000 containers, demonstrating growing demand for the corridor.
"With full activation of the route, the railway's capacity will reach 5 million tons per year, significantly increasing the transit capabilities of our region and further strengthening the competitiveness of the Middle Corridor," he said.
The prime minister added that the railway has become increasingly important amid global challenges, arguing that diversified trade routes and secure transport networks are essential for economic growth and regional connectivity.
