The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway not only strengthens economies of the countries in the region by boosting their transit potential, but also plays a role of a guarantor of stability and security in the region.
The time launch of Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway passenger trains has become known.
Azerbaijan Railways Closed Joint Stock Company reported that the organization of passenger transportation on the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars route was planned for the third quarter of 2019.
It was noted that in the first quarter of 2019 the import of new cars produced by the Swiss company Stadler was on the agenda for this purpose. In the second stage, another 10 cars are expected to be delivered. Cars are based on the latest technology.
Presentation of the first passenger locomotive (Prima M4) produced by Alstom Transportation S.A. for the Azerbaijan Railways Closed Joint-Stock Company was held in Belfort, France on October 9, 2017. Two passenger locomotives have already been brought to Azerbaijan.
The opening ceremony of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway was held on October 30, 2017 at the Baku International Sea Trade Port.
According to the State Oil Fund, for the implementation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project $640.3 million has been allocated as of September 30, 2017.
The total length of the BTK railway is 846 km, with 504 km running through the territory of Azerbaijan, 263 km – Georgia and 79 km – Turkey. (AzerNews/Business World Magazine)
