Ajara is an autonomous republic within Georgia.
The only railway is that linking the capital, Batumi, with the rest of Georgia. It was constructed in 1883 to the Russian standard gauge of 1520mm, the country then being part of the Russian Empire.
The line was largely destroyed in 2004 at the instigation of the separatist Ajaran authorities of the time, who feared an invasion by Georgian troops. The line has subsequently been restored, although the main station serving the capital has been relocated a few km outside the city centre.
In addition to the overland rail link with Georgia, Batumi is served by rail ferries across the Black Sea from Rumania. To accomodate this traffic, some lines have been laid in the port of Batumi to the European standard gauge of 1435mm.
An overland rail link with Turkey has been proposed but the terrain is difficult and it is not clear who would fund the project.
© 2004-2007 Glyn Williams
