Azerbaijan is satisfied with the pace of construction of the Georgian section of Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Rail Project.
Azerbaijani deputy transport minister Musa Panakhov has said that today's pace satisfies them fully, and they hope to retain it next year in order to finish most of the work.
"Comparative reduction in expenditures for works on the Georgian section is linked with the fact that current civilian (earth) works are not so expensive. When laying superficial structures in 2011 the volumes of spending will increase," Panakhov said.
At that, overall costs for the construction of the Georgian section will grow as well.
"In the process of work it became clear that section Marabda-Akhalkalaki fails to meet requirements to ensure a large flow of goods. As a result, its capital rehabilitation, including complete replacement of the topsides, should be carried out," Panakhov said.
Works will cover 168 km of tracks.
"Estimates of the cost of the works were submitted to the governments of Azerbaijan and Georgia to decide on increasing of further funding volume," Panakhov said.
The Baku-Tbilisi-Karsi railroad project calls for constructing a 105 kilometer section, including 76 kilometers in Turkey, 29 kilometers in Georgia. Moreover, the Akhaltsikhe-Marabda-Tbilisi railway section will be rehabilitated.
Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey concluded the agreement in 2007.