Kakha Kaladze, Mayor of Tbilisi and Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream party, said on Tuesday that the renewal of the Tbilisi Metro with 111 new carriages marks a historic moment for the city, noting that the metro last received new carriages 34 years ago.

Kaladze made the statement during a visit to CRRC, one of China’s largest metro-car manufacturers, where a ceremony was held to unveil a new train produced specifically for the Tbilisi Metro.

As noted at the event, the new carriages were specially designed for Georgia’s capital and are set to become an integral part of the Tbilisi Metro, as well as a symbol of friendship between Georgia and China.

The event also expressed hope that the slogan “Successful Development of the Tbilisi Metro” would become a reality.

In his address, Kaladze spoke about the importance of the metro to the capital and said the project would give the system a new lease of life.

“I am pleased to be at one of the world’s largest metro-car manufacturers today on the occasion of very important news for our capital and to celebrate this positive development with you. The renewal of the Tbilisi Metro with 111 new carriages is truly a historic event for our city, as the Tbilisi Metro last received new carriages 34 years ago”, he said.

“The Tbilisi Metro has a long history. At the time, its creation was one of the most important steps toward developing the city’s transport system. Today, we are continuing this history and giving new life to the metro so that it can meet the needs of modern Tbilisi”, Kaladze continued.

He added that the metro was more than just a means of transportation for Tbilisi, describing it as an integral part of the city’s daily life.

“Hundreds of thousands of people use it every day. Therefore, renewing the metro is not simply about upgrading transport; it is a step toward creating an even more comfortable, safe and modern environment”, the Mayor noted.

According to Kaladze, the metro-car renewal project would not have been possible without the strong support of the Georgian Government and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

He also highlighted the importance of cooperation between GT Group and China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC), one of the world’s largest rail-transport equipment manufacturers.

Kaladze noted that the first fully modern four-car train had already been completed and would arrive in Tbilisi by the end of the year.

He added that the Tbilisi Metro would receive a total of 25 new trains, including 14 four-car trains and 11 five-car trains.

“I would like to thank everyone who took part in this difficult and responsible process. I would also like to thank our Chinese hosts for their wonderful and warm welcome and for sharing in our joy”, the Mayor said.

“The new carriage for the Tbilisi Metro now stands behind me, representing a new step toward the future of Tbilisi. Congratulations on the successful implementation of the project!” Kaladze added.

For his part, CRRC Group Vice President Li Dingnan said the project would be of great importance for deepening economic and trade relations between China and Georgia, strengthening their historic friendship and connecting Asia and Europe.

“The Tbilisi Metro project is one of CRRC’s symbolic projects for the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative and the result of mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Georgia. Once put into operation, it will further improve the city’s transport network, enhance public services and make travel more convenient for citizens. The project will be of great significance for deepening economic and trade relations between China and Georgia, strengthening their historic friendship and connecting Asia and Europe”, Li Dingnan noted.

He added that the ceremonial unveiling of the first train marked an important milestone in the project and a new starting point for both sides to deepen cooperation and jointly explore new markets.