Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway, Railway line
The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway is a train line that connects Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey across the Caucasus region. It runs through mountainous terrain with valleys and plains, carrying both freight and passengers along its route.
The railway was built to replace older routes affected by political conflicts and opened in late 2017 after significant delays. The project took several years to complete due to disagreements and funding challenges along the way.
The railway takes its name from the three nations it links, reflecting the cooperation between these regions. For people in Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey, it represents new opportunities and economic ties that shape how communities view their future together.
At the border station of Kartsakhi, trains can change their wheels as Georgia and Turkey use different track widths, making border crossing smoother. Travelers should expect stations along the route to prioritize function over comfort and be prepared to observe the changing landscape.
A remarkable feature is the special wheel-changing system at the border station that allows trains to adapt to different track gauges. This technical solution enables the route to bypass politically sensitive areas that would otherwise complicate travel between the three nations.
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