Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway

Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway
Railway name	Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway
Locale	Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey
Start	Baku
End	Kars
Owners	Azerbaijan Railways, Georgian Railway, Turkish State Railways
Line length	826

Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway is a significant rail transport project connecting Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey, with the goal of improving trade and transportation between Europe and Asia. The railway passes through the Caucasus region, which has historically been an important Silk Road route, and is expected to increase the volume of cargo and passenger traffic between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. The project involves the cooperation of Azerbaijan Railways, Georgian Railway, and Turkish State Railways, and has received support from international organizations such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Asian Development Bank. The railway is also expected to enhance the economic development of the South Caucasus region, which includes countries such as Armenia and Georgia.

Introduction

The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project was first proposed in the early 2000s, with the aim of creating a new transport corridor between Europe and Asia. The project involves the construction of a new railway line from Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, to Kars, a city in northeastern Turkey, passing through Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. The railway is expected to play a key role in the development of the Lapis Lazuli Route, a historic trade route that connected Europe and Asia during the Middle Ages. The project has received support from international organizations such as the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and the Black Sea Economic Cooperation.

History

The history of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project dates back to the early 2000s, when Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a new transport corridor between Europe and Asia. The project gained momentum in 2007, when the three countries signed an intergovernmental agreement to construct the railway. The project has been supported by international organizations such as the European Investment Bank and the Islamic Development Bank. The construction of the railway began in 2008 and was completed in 2017, with the official opening ceremony taking place in Baku on October 30, 2017, attended by the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Kvirikashvili.

Route and Infrastructure

The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway route spans a total length of 826 kilometers, passing through the Caucasus region and connecting Baku with Kars. The railway passes through the Greater Caucasus Mountains and the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, and crosses the Kura River and the Aragvi River. The railway has a total of 79 tunnels and 258 bridges, with the longest tunnel being the Tunnel of Rikoti, which is 9.3 kilometers long. The railway is equipped with modern signaling systems and communication systems, and has a maximum speed of 160 kilometers per hour. The railway also passes through the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park and the Kazbegi National Park, which are known for their natural beauty and biodiversity.

Operations and Services

The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway is operated by Azerbaijan Railways, Georgian Railway, and Turkish State Railways, which provide passenger and cargo services on the railway. The railway has a total of 10 stations, including Baku, Tbilisi, and Kars. The railway offers container and bulk cargo services, as well as passenger services, including sleeping cars and dining cars. The railway is also expected to play a key role in the development of tourism in the South Caucasus region, which is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The railway passes through the Historic City of Mtskheta, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Gelati Monastery, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Economic Impact

The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway is expected to have a significant economic impact on the South Caucasus region, which includes countries such as Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia. The railway is expected to increase the volume of trade and transportation between Europe and Asia, and to enhance the economic development of the region. The railway is also expected to create new job opportunities and to stimulate economic growth in the region. The project has received support from international organizations such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. The railway is also expected to enhance the economic development of the Black Sea region, which includes countries such as Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria.

Technical Specifications

The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway has a total length of 826 kilometers, with a maximum speed of 160 kilometers per hour. The railway has a total of 79 tunnels and 258 bridges, with the longest tunnel being the Tunnel of Rikoti, which is 9.3 kilometers long. The railway is equipped with modern signaling systems and communication systems, and has a total of 10 stations, including Baku, Tbilisi, and Kars. The railway is operated by Azerbaijan Railways, Georgian Railway, and Turkish State Railways, which provide passenger and cargo services on the railway. The railway is also expected to play a key role in the development of the Lapis Lazuli Route, a historic trade route that connected Europe and Asia during the Middle Ages. The railway passes through the Caucasus region, which is known for its natural beauty and biodiversity, and is home to several national parks, including the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park and the Kazbegi National Park.

Category:Rail transport in Azerbaijan Category:Rail transport in Georgia Category:Rail transport in Turkey