Georgia, a key country on the Middle Corridor, has announced a massive rail investment of around 1.4 billion euros for the coming decade. The investment should halve transit times, expand the rolling stock fleet and improve port-rail connectivity, among other things.
“We are embarking on a historic renewal of Georgian Railways — a process that will fundamentally transform the company”, economy minister Mariam Kvrivishvili said while presenting the plan.
The Georgian strategy focuses on infrastructure development, enhancing rail freight and modernising passenger services. In particular, Georgian Railways will get 50 new locomotives and 1,500 freight wagons worth over 300 million euros.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze added that the 1.4 billion euro investment includes a full modernisation of railway stations and infrastructure. It also provides for the introduction of automated management systems, new routes, and a rail connection to the future Anaklia port, which is now under construction.
Transit times through Georgia, important for operations on the China-Europe Middle Corridor, should be cut back from 24 hours to 12 hours.