“A contract has been signed with the winning tenderer to launch a landmark infrastructure project: the Batumi–Sarpi highway bypass, featuring a 7.6-kilometre tunnel that will become Georgia’s second-longest after the Kvesheti–Kobi tunnel,” Infrastructure Minister Revaz Sokhadze announced.

According to Sokhadze, the bypass represents a critical section of the East–West highway, essential for both international transit freight and regional tourism in Adjara.

“Traffic bottlenecks along the Gonio–Kvariati section will be completely relieved. The Roads Department, alongside local authorities, will regenerate the area to transform it into a vibrant tourist zone. The current transport situation along that stretch is severely strained.

The contract stipulates a four-year execution timeline. We expect completion within this window. We will maintain unflagging oversight regarding construction quality and deadline compliance. Daily monitoring will be conducted by the Ministry, including myself and the Head of the Roads Department,” Sokhadze stated.

The Minister added that heavy construction works should commence before the end of the year.

“I want to assure the public that we have an exceptionally busy period ahead, with a slate of major initiatives launching both this year and next. Georgia is embarking on an unprecedented scale of international highway construction.

Our unique position bridging Europe and Asia is a clear geographical advantage, but our infrastructure must match it to ensure transit across all routes is fast, efficient, and safe.

In recent years, Georgia has proven beyond doubt that it serves as a secure, dependable hub for transit cargo and international transport. Our nation will continue to strengthen this position as we deliver an expanding portfolio of strategic infrastructure projects,” Sokhadze concluded.

The project marks the official kickoff for the 11.3-kilometre Batumi–Sarpi highway project, a vital link in Georgia’s East–West corridor, with the main construction contract awarded to China Railway Tunnel Group Co. Ltd (CRTG).