“Rehabilitation works have commenced on a seven-kilometre stretch of the Narekvavi-Mtskheta-Railway Station central road. The Municipal Development Fund is also scheduled, alongside the road works, to commence the design of a recreational space in the area known as Theatron on the right bank of the Aragvi River. Given that the site falls within the buffer zone of a UNESCO World Heritage monument, the project is being developed in consultation with UNESCO and in accordance with international recommendations. The space, which is currently at the design stage, is intended to serve not only Mtskheta but the wider Tbilisi metropolitan area and the country as a whole,” Infrastructure Minister Revaz Sokhadze announced during a site visit.

The Road Department of the Ministry of Infrastructure has begun the full-scale rehabilitation of the road on the Narekvavi–Mtskheta–Railway Station corridor. Minister Sokhadze inspected the preliminary construction and mobilisation works on site, accompanied by representatives of the Road Department and local authorities.

“The surface of the road earmarked for rehabilitation has suffered significant deterioration, hampering movement and creating serious safety risks. The project provides for a comprehensive overhaul of the road and its alignment with modern standards. Across the approximately seven-kilometre stretch, a full package of road infrastructure improvements will be carried out. New asphalt-concrete surfacing will be laid; retaining walls, pavements, residential driveway entrances, and road junctions will be constructed; the drainage system will be completely overhauled; road signs will be installed; and horizontal road markings will be applied,” the Ministry of Infrastructure stated.

The ministry added that the project will significantly improve the functioning of one of Mtskheta’s principal transport arteries, increase the road’s capacity, reduce journey times, and ensure safe and comfortable travel for all users.

“Road construction creates new economic opportunities and makes a vital contribution to the country’s development. The rehabilitation of existing roads is our obligation; every road must be safe, orderly, and fit for purpose. The Ministry will be carrying out substantial work in this area throughout the year,” Minister Sokhadze declared.

The ministry also announced the completion of another key infrastructure milestone — the construction of a new arched bridge over the River Mtkvari at the entrance to Mtskheta. The new structure replaces a bridge that had stood since 1926 and could no longer meet modern load-bearing requirements and standards.

“The new bridge ensures safe and unobstructed movement, connects Mtskheta to the railway station and central road network, and its architectural design blends harmoniously with the city’s historic surroundings. The project was funded from the state budget at 6.6 million lari,” the ministry noted.

The Minister also toured, together with local authorities, the neighbourhoods and streets where building rehabilitation is planned. He stressed that given Mtskheta’s considerable tourist potential, the regeneration of the old quarters is an essential accompaniment to the broader infrastructure works underway.

The infrastructure development programme for Mtskheta also includes broader enhancements to the urban environment. The Municipal Development Fund of the Ministry of Infrastructure is set to begin designing a multi-purpose park adjacent to the Theatron site on the right bank of the Aragvi, incorporating recreational, sporting, and children’s spaces, as well as pedestrian and cycling paths with the requisite supporting infrastructure.

The Ministry of Infrastructure reported that, since the territory is situated within the buffer zone of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the project will be carried out in consultation with the relevant agencies and in accordance with international guidelines and recommendations.