Georgia to invest $1.7 billion in rail sector over next decade, PM says

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has announced that investment in the country’s railway system is expected to reach approximately $1.7 billion over the next 10 years.

During a presentation of the new 10-year development plan for JSC Georgian Railway, he said the company’s net profit increased by 30% last year and is expected to continue growing in the coming years, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

“For the first time, a unified 10-year plan has been developed covering all key areas of railway sector development. Within this framework, a complete renewal of the rolling stock and locomotive fleet is planned,” Kobakhidze noted.

According to him, the plan includes the purchase of 50 new locomotives, 1,500 new wagons, and 10 passenger trains.

He stressed that the measures are expected to increase freight capacity, improve passenger comfort, and reduce travel times.

Kobakhidze also said the plan includes the full modernisation of railway stations and infrastructure, the introduction of automated management systems, the creation of new routes, and the construction of a new 18-kilometre railway line connecting to the Anaklia port.

The restoration of the Borjomi–Bakuriani railway is also included in the project.

The prime minister emphasised that investments will come from various sources, adding that the success of the reforms will depend on efficient management and anti-corruption efforts.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov