Georgia’s Minister of Infrastructure, Revaz Sokhadze, announced that the Turkish construction company Polat Yol has been granted a one-month extension to complete the unfinished section of the Grigoleti–Kobuleti highway despite previous plans to terminate its 228 million GEL contract.
The decision comes after renewed negotiations between the government and the company, resulting in an agreement allowing Polat Yol to finalize the remaining 3-kilometer stretch which includes the construction of a bridge over the Supsa River.
Polat Yol first won the tender for the 14-kilometer section in 2018, signing a contract that required the completion of works within 24 months. However, progress has repeatedly stalled. Of the total length, 5 kilometers were opened in 2022 and another 6 kilometers in 2023, leaving the most technically challenging segment still unfinished.
Earlier this year, reports emerged that the company had outstanding wage debts to its workers. Minister Sokhadzedeclared that the firm has since paid a portion of the arrears and agreed to continue work under close supervision.
“We had difficulties in the Grigoleti section — the company had issues with its personnel and contractors. They have now paid part of their debts and will proceed with the construction. The company has about one month to complete the remaining 3 kilometers,” Sokhadze said.
This is not the first time Polat Yol has faced criticism for delays in major infrastructure projects. Together with another Turkish firm, Mapa, the company recently completed the Batumi Bypass Highway, a 13-kilometer, 330 million GEL project, with a four-year delay. The bypass was initially expected to open in 2020 but was inaugurated only in October 2024.
The Ministry of Infrastructure has not yet clarified what measures will follow if Polat Yol fails to meet the new deadline for the Grigoleti–Kobuleti project.
