GEORGIA’s prime minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, unveiled a three-year action plan for the country’s railway on April 8. Key targeted outcomes are a doubling of network capacity and the expansion of passenger services to increase annual passenger journeys from 2 million to 5 million by 2030.
The plan includes the acquisition of new rolling stock and line upgrades. “We will purchase 10 new passenger trains," Kobakhidze said, according to news agency Xinhua.
“As a result, passenger transport will become significantly more comfortable and faster for both locals and visitors.” Kobakhidze also revealed that the government expects to purchase 50 locomotives and 1500 wagons to improve rail freight transport.
Key infrastructure improvements include a new direct line linking the capital Tbilisi with Kutaisi. Work to upgrade the line between Tbilisi and the Black Sea port city of Batumi is due for completion in August, and will help to cut journey times from 5h 30min to 4 hours.
Passenger services will resume on Tbilisi - Akhaltsikhe line, for the first time since 2009, offering an improved journey time of 3 hours. The 900mm-gauge Borjomi - Bakuriani line will also be reopened and upgraded.
