Georgia Unveils Plans for New Terminal and Digital Customs to Strengthen BTC Railway Line

Georgian Railways announced the launch of a comprehensive modernization program aimed at increasing transport capacity along the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars (BTC) Railway Line.

As part of this plan, construction of a new terminal in the Akhalkalaki region, near Georgia's border with Turkey, is set to begin in 2026.

Additionally, an electronic customs clearance system (e-customs clearance) will be deployed to reduce transit times and accelerate procedures.

The BTC line is one of the most critical links in the Middle Corridor, known as the China–Central Asia–Caucasus–Europe trade route. Georgia's investments aim to enhance the line's logistics capacity, efficiency, and competitiveness.

New Akhalkalaki Terminal: Capacity Expansion and Connectivity

The new terminal will be constructed as an addition to the existing Akhalkalaki freight terminal currently in operation.

Located in very close proximity to the Turkish border, the terminal will play a critical role, particularly in cargo transfer and gauge conversion processes.

The existing infrastructure on the BTC line has caused significant time losses in cargo transfers due to different track gauges between Europe and Asia.

The new terminal will substantially reduce this timeframe through automated cargo transfer systems.

According to Georgian Railways officials, upon project completion, regional trade volume will increase and the country will strengthen its position as the logistics hub of the Middle Corridor.

Digital Customs for Shorter Transit Times

Another component of the project is the electronic customs clearance system.

Through this system, paper-based procedures at border crossing will be eliminated, and customs data will be shared across digital platforms.

The new system aims to reduce bureaucratic delays, manage shipments on a 24-hour basis, and provide time advantages to international transport companies.

According to experts, this step will create a seamless corridor between Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Central Asian countries.

Strategic Importance of the Middle Corridor Rising

In recent years, the Middle Corridor has gained strategic importance in Europe-Asia transport due to the Russia–Ukraine war and increased traffic through Caspian crossings.

The BTC line stands out as the safest and shortest connection of this corridor.

Georgia's infrastructure investments strengthen integration with Azerbaijan and Turkey while supporting the continuity of multimodal transportation extending from China to Europe.

These developments are also seen as part of Tbilisi's goal to become a regional logistics hub.

Regional Impact and Future Outlook

The Akhalkalaki terminal is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

When the terminal becomes operational, annual cargo volume transported on the BTC line is projected to double.

Furthermore, Georgia plans to deploy green logistics practices following this investment.

The digital nature of the new system will provide advantages such as reducing carbon footprint, fuel efficiency, and optimized train scheduling.

In conclusion, Georgia's initiative aims to transform the BTC line from merely a transit route into the digital and sustainable core of the Middle Corridor.

Key Points:

• Georgian Railways is planning to construct a new terminal in Akhalkalaki in 2026.

• The terminal will provide additional capacity to the existing BTC infrastructure.

• Electronic customs clearance system will be deployed to reduce transit times.

• The investment aims to accelerate transport along the Middle Corridor.

• The new system will support digitalization by reducing bureaucratic procedures.

• The BTC line's logistics capacity will double, positioning Georgia as a regional trade hub.

• The project is being implemented in integration with green logistics and digital transformation objectives.

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News Link: https://www.railfreight.com/beltandroad/2025/10/23/georgia-unveils-big-plans-for-btk-upgrade/

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