The final decision on feasibility study of railroad communication Kars-Ahlkalaki-Tbilisi-Baku will be made at the July 27 meeting in Kazakhstan, Trend reports with reference to Azeri government.
Up to the moment, Georgia shall decide on approving some version of TEO and make necessary revisions, governmental officials said. After that, the parties will decide on further structure of railroad development.
Officials of Azeri Transport Ministry said Georgia is afraid the majority of cargos earlier delivered to Poti and Batumi will be withdrawn to Kars-Ahlkalaki-Tbilisi-Baku with its opening
. However, Azeri government suggests cargos transported via these routes of a different nature. Poti and Batumi mainly receive oil and oil products, while dry cargos will be transported by Kars-Ahlkalaki-Tbilisi-Baku. Georgia and Kazakhstan already signed a protocol providing transportation along this corridor.
Alongside, Georgian side suggests Turkish TEO does not reflect Turkish railroads rehabilitation.
The said railroad project includes laying 98km long section Kars-Ahalkalaki, 68km in Turkey and 30km in Georgia. The average cost of the project is $400mln.