BTKI Railways LLC and Georgian Railways JSC have signed a set of agreements in Tbilisi aimed at ensuring the full-scale launch of the joint venture operating the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway (BTK) line.

One agreement regulates the use of the Marabda-Akhalkalaki railway infrastructure, while another covers the provision of terminal services at the Akhalkalaki station, The Caspian Post reports via Azerbaijan Railways.

Officials said the new arrangements will streamline BTK operations, a key segment of the Middle Corridor, and help boost cargo volumes along the route.

photo: ADY

The signing comes after Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY) successfully completed repair, restoration, and modernization work on the 184-kilometer Georgian section of the BTK line, which runs through challenging terrain. As a result, the line’s annual capacity increased from 1 million to 5 million tons. The modernization aims to enhance the competitiveness of the Middle Corridor and position the BTK as one of its main freight routes.

BTKI Railways was established on August 13, 2024, as a joint venture of subsidiaries of Azerbaijan Railways and the Marabda-Kartsakhi Railway. Its mandate includes efficient BTK operations, attracting new cargo flows, strengthening regional transport links, and expanding the overall capacity of the Middle Corridor.