Georgian Railways’ rolling stock is largely outdated, the company’s latest management report shows, emphasizing an urgent need for fleet modernization across both locomotives and freight wagons.
The report states that the railway operates 91 active locomotives, nearly all of which were manufactured more than three decades ago. Specifically, 99% of locomotives are over 30 years old while 78% are more than 35 years old. Notably, Georgian Railways does not operate a single locomotive that is under 20 years old.
Freight wagons present a similar picture. Out of 4,088 wagons currently in service, 85% are over 30 years old, and 75% exceed 35 years of age. Only 8% of the wagon fleet is younger than 21 years, meaning the limited renewal of rolling stock in recent decades.
The report also documents a significant contraction of the fleet over time. Since 2015, the number of freight wagons has declined by 42% while the number of active locomotives has fallen by 44%. This reduction further compounds capacity and efficiency challenges for the national railway operator.
In response, Georgian Railways has initiated steps toward modernization. In November, the company announced a GEL 20 million tender for the procurement of 120 new freight wagons. In parallel, negotiations are ongoing with the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank to secure financing for new locomotives and additional wagons.
The state budget for next year earmarks GEL 325 million for railway-related investments, although specific allocations have not yet been disclosed. The Asian Development Bank has indicated that final approvals and detailed project information will be made public once decisions are finalized.
