Georgia is launching a large-scale overhaul of its railway system aimed at boosting capacity, efficiency, and regional connectivity, Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili has said.
“We are embarking on a historic renewal of Georgian Railways – a process that will fundamentally transform the company,” Kvrivishvili said during a presentation of the reform plan.
The strategy focuses on three key directions: infrastructure development, strengthening freight transport, and modernizing passenger services, combining operational and infrastructure upgrades into a single system.
The minister said the company’s financial performance has improved, with an optimization effect exceeding ₾230 million over the past year and net profit rising to 30%. Operating profit margins increased from 25% to 36%.
Rail capacity has also expanded, with throughput on the main line up 30% and transit time across the country reduced by 20%.
Kvrivishvili said Georgia plans to purchase 50 new locomotives and 1,500 wagons, with more than ₾1 billion in investment. The upgrades are expected to cut transit time from 24 hours to 12 hours and double overall transport capacity.
Passenger services are also set for expansion, with new trains planned to increase ridership and improve travel speed and comfort.
Major infrastructure works are underway. Rehabilitation of the Tbilisi-Batumi railway and Tbilisi-Akhaltsikhe railway lines is expected to be completed by August 2026, reducing travel time to Batumi to around four hours and halving journey times to Akhaltsikhe.
The historic Borjomi-Bakuriani railway line is also set for rehabilitation, with completion planned for winter 2027.
Kvrivishvili linked the railway upgrades to broader regional connectivity plans, including the Anaklia deep-sea port project, which she describes as a key component of Georgia’s logistics network. Construction of connecting road and rail infrastructure is expected to begin soon.
She added that growing global demand for alternative trade routes has increased the importance of the Middle Corridor, positioning Georgia as a key transit partner between Europe and Asia.
The minister said modernization of major railway stations across the country is already underway, aimed at aligning infrastructure with modern standards and passenger needs.
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