The official opening ceremony of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway, a joint strategic project between Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Türkiye, took place at the Akhalkalaki railway station in Georgia's Samtskhe-Javakheti region. Once fully operational, the line's capacity will reach 5 million tons of freight per year.

Speaking at the ceremony, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze emphasized the project's historic significance and called it an example of an effective strategic partnership between the three countries. He stated that the railway plays a vital role in developing the Middle Corridor and strengthening transport and logistics links in the region.

The head of the Georgian government noted that since the line's test launch in 2017, it has transported over 1,8 million tons of cargo and approximately 90 thousand containers. Fully operational operation of the BTK will significantly increase transit traffic volumes and enhance the route's competitiveness.

The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project was implemented in accordance with an intergovernmental agreement between Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye. The railway is considered a key element of the transport infrastructure connecting the regions of Asia and Europe.