The first passenger service on the Baku–Tbilisi railway line in six years was operated on May 26, Georgia’s Independence Day. Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Tamar Ioseliani and the General Director of Georgian Railway Lasha Abashidze met the service at Tbilisi Central Station.

According to the Ministry of Economy of Georgia, among the first passengers was Javid Gurbanov, Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan.

According to Tamar Ioseliani, the decision to restore passenger rail services between the two countries was made during the Georgian Prime Minister’s visit to Baku.

“Today is a most significant holiday for our country. Freedom is the greatest of achievements, and it is the duty of each and every one of us to defend it. Accordingly, today is truly a historic day; after a six-year pause, the Baku–Tbilisi service has run for the first time. From May 26, services will operate daily, allowing our citizens, Azerbaijani guests, and tourists to travel in comfort. This is a most significant decision, one that will foster both the country’s economic development and the stimulation of tourism, as well as the strengthening of people-to-people ties,” the Deputy Minister noted.

Services on the newly reinstated route will now operate daily.