AZE.US
The recently restored Baku–Tbilisi passenger train should be extended to Batumi, creating a direct rail connection between the Caspian and Black Sea coasts, transport and logistics expert Rauf Agamirzayev said.
Agamirzayev made the proposal in an interview with the YouTube channel “Modern Conversation with Rasim Babayev.”
He said the longer route could connect Baku, Ganja, Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi, while also supporting joint tourism packages between Azerbaijan and Georgia.
Several international airports are located along the corridor, allowing travelers arriving in either country to combine rail and air travel.
Agamirzayev said the extension could also benefit about 50,000 Azerbaijani students studying in Turkey. Passengers could travel by train to Batumi, near the Turkish border, and continue by bus to different parts of Turkey.
The expert also called for cheaper ticket options on the Baku-Tbilisi service.
The current train offers compartment, upgraded compartment and luxury accommodation. Agamirzayev said more affordable cars should be added so the route is accessible to a wider group of passengers.
“Comfort and business-class options are important, but there should also be an alternative,” he said.
Passenger rail service between Baku and Tbilisi resumed on May 26. The route uses modern Stadler sleeper trains designed to adjust automatically to different railway gauges used across the region.
AZE.US