Türkiye Begins Rebuilding the Railway Toward Gyumri
Türkiye has begun rebuilding railway infrastructure on the Akyaka–Gyumri section, with Akyaka’s mayor estimating that the work could take two to three months. The Armenia–Türkiye border remains closed, however, and no official date has been announced for passenger or freight train services.
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Türkiye has started reconstruction work on the Akyaka–Gyumri section of the Kars–Gyumri railway. Information published on July 28, 2026, confirms that construction is underway on the Turkish side and that public tenders related to the infrastructure work have been announced. The mayor of Akyaka estimated that this phase could be completed within two to three months. This does not mean that the border has reopened or that trains can already operate: the Armenia–Türkiye land border remains closed, and no official launch date has been announced for passenger or freight services.
What work has started on the Akyaka–Gyumri railway?
The project is part of preparations for the possible reopening of the Gyumri–Kars railway connection. According to Armenpress, construction is currently focused on restoring railway infrastructure between Akyaka and Gyumri. The railway distance from Akyaka station to Gyumri is approximately 18 to 20 kilometers and could take about 30 to 40 minutes by train if the border and route become operational.
| Key point | Current status |
|---|---|
| Section under reconstruction | Akyaka–Gyumri railway infrastructure on the Turkish side |
| Estimated completion | Two to three months, according to Akyaka’s mayor |
| Akyaka–Gyumri distance | Approximately 18 to 20 kilometers by rail |
| Border status | Still closed |
| Passenger or freight trains | No official service date has been announced |
| Road connection | A tender has also been announced for an Akyaka–Gyumri road link |
Can passengers travel from Türkiye to Gyumri by train now?
No. The beginning of reconstruction does not make the route available to travelers. Direct rail travel between Kars or Akyaka and Gyumri will remain unavailable until the border is officially opened, technical and customs requirements are completed, and an operating schedule is approved.
Background to the Gyumri–Kars railway project
Armenia and Türkiye agreed in September 2025 that their relevant authorities would conduct technical studies for restoring and reopening the Gyumri–Kars railway and the associated electricity transmission line. A joint working group met in Kars on April 28, 2026, and emphasized the importance of reopening the railway as soon as possible. Armenia has also reported that processes aimed at restoring the Gyumri–Akhuryan section have begun.
Why is the railway important?
If the border opens and the railway becomes fully operational, the route could create a direct rail connection between Armenia and Türkiye. It could support regional trade, shorten freight routes, and generate new opportunities in tourism, agriculture, and industry. Its practical impact will depend on formal border-opening decisions and the operating rules adopted by both countries.
Conclusion
Reconstruction of the Turkish section of the Akyaka–Gyumri railway is underway, and the current local estimate is two to three months for this phase. The border remains closed, trains are not operating between Türkiye and Gyumri, and no confirmed date for passenger or freight services has been published.