Although not internationally recognised, Abkhazia is de facto independent of Georgia, of which it is was formerly a part.
The railways did not reach Abkhazia until 1940, when Georgia was part of the USSR. The line entered Abkhazia from the rest of Georgia by a bridge over the Inguri river and continued to the regional capital Sukhumi, with a branch from Ochamchira to Tkvarcheli. The network was completed 2 years later by a line from Sukhumi to the north, connecting with existing lines in Russia. The total length of line was some 220 km, built to the Russian standard gauge of 1520mm.
The bridge across the Inguri river was destroyed during the period of conflict in the early 1990s, and the rest of the network suffered considerable damage. Shortly afterwards, Russia closed its borders and the Abkhazian Railway was effectively isolated. The link to Russia was restored in 2002 and daily trains now operate to and from Moscow. Some attempt has been made to reactivate internal traffic and it is believed that some freight movements operate, however the last local pasenger service was discontinued in 2007. A number of proposals have been put forward for restoration of the link with Georgia. Russia is keen to have its link with other Caucasian countries restored, but at the time of writing the Georgian government remains opposed.
The Novy Afon Metro was opened in 1975 and remains an important adjunct to a major Abkhazian tourist attraction.
© 2004-2008 Glyn Williams
