14:54 - 12.12.2018

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December 12, Fineko/abc.az. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway (BTK) is one of the new train lines that could transform how you travel.

CNN reports that connecting the capitals of Azerbaijan and Georgia with the ancient city of Kars in Turkey, the BTK stretches 513 miles (826 km).

“In 2019, the railway will introduce a new route that will take passengers between Baku and the Turkish cities of Ankara and Istanbul - the first direct train link between Azerbaijan and Turkey that doesn't require stops in Georgia, which shares borders with the two countries,” the CNN article says.

Trains will have a maximum speed of 100 miles (160 km) per hour, according to Stadler Rail Management, which is manufacturing the carriages.

Currently, those traveling by train have to endure a 40-hour journey with multiple stopovers to get between the two capitals. TrainsfromBakutoIstanbultakethreedays.

The opening of the BTK railway took place on 30 October 2017 at the Baku International Sea Trade Port.