“Georgian Railway is embarking upon a process of historic renewal, encompassing the comprehensive renewal of its infrastructure, passenger, and freight operations, as well as the implementation of large-scale investment across the sector,” declared Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Tamar Ioseliani, following a presentation on Georgian Railway’s “historic renewal.”

“All three areas are priorities for the Georgian Government, and accordingly, large-scale and substantial investment is planned to consolidate our role in the Middle Corridor and to be a reliable, effective, and swift partner, a connecting bridge between Europe and Asia,” the Deputy Minister stated.

According to Tamar Ioseliani, the past year has been a turning point for Georgian Railway, with sweeping optimisation measures implemented and corresponding steps taken to raise efficiency.

“The savings generated through optimisation amounted, in total, to more than 230 million lari. Equally notable is the Georgian Government’s unprecedented decision to renew its locomotive and rolling stock fleet. Between 2026 and 2028, an investment of approximately one billion lari will be made to fully modernise the rolling stock and locomotive fleet. Through the introduction of new systems and digitalisation, we will be able to halve the time it takes to cross the country, become far more efficient, and double our throughput capacity,” the Deputy Minister noted.

According to Tamar Ioseliani, as part of efforts to strengthen passenger services, Georgia will acquire ten new trains over the course of two years, with five further trains due to be refurbished this year, creating the possibility of additional services on the Tbilisi–Kutaisi and Tbilisi–Akhaltsikhe routes, and improving the comfort of the passenger experience.

As regards infrastructure projects, the Deputy Minister drew particular attention to the historic Borjomi–Bakuriani railway, the restoration of which is planned for the 2027 winter season, and also touched upon completed and ongoing projects along the main railway trunk line. Tamar Ioseliani placed special emphasis on the modernisation project for the principal railway main line, which was completed last December and doubled the Georgian Railway’s throughput capacity.

Tamar Ioseliani noted that a ten-year development plan has been drawn up for Georgian Railway, envisaging investment of approximately 1.7 billion U.S. dollars.

“Over the next ten years, approximately 1.7 billion U.S. dollars will be invested directly into Georgian Railway. This aims at the comprehensive renewal of infrastructure, passenger, and freight operations alike, to establish a strong, efficient, and swift railway that will consolidate our status as a trusted partner in the region,” Ioseliani stated.