Kazakhstan and Türkiye Agree to Boost Freight Transport via Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Route

Kazakhstan and Türkiye have agreed to enhance freight transport along the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway route.

The agreement was signed between KTZ and TCDD Taşımacılık A.Ş. during the official visit of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Türkiye, The Caspian Post reports citing citing Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ).

The document outlines a series of joint measures aimed at developing the Middle Corridor and enhancing its competitiveness.

A key focus of the agreement is the increase of freight volumes along the BTK section. The two companies agreed to establish regular scheduled rail services between Kazakhstan and Türkiye and to expand freight capacity between China and Europe/Africa in both directions. Additionally, customs and administrative procedures will be simplified to speed up cargo transit across borders.

Particular emphasis is placed on digitalization: the parties plan to introduce paperless electronic document exchange and digital tools for tracking containers and rolling stock