Georgian Railway Modernisation Project now in service in central Georgia

The Georgian Railway Modernisation Project has entered service after being officially commissioned, marking a milestone in China–Georgia cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, as reported by Construction World.

In central Georgia, the Zestaponi to Khashuri railway project covers 43.9 km and sits on a key east–west transport artery. The programme combined upgrades to existing lines with new-build sections, alongside civil engineering, power supply, communications and station facilities works.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Georgian Railway Modernisation Project: construction scope and challenges

Delivery took place in complex geological conditions. Works included challenging tunnel excavation, high-slope embankment protection and bridge installations, handled through technology-led construction methods and adaptive project management.

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The scheme is described as the largest newly built railway project to be completed and put into operation in Georgia. It also forms an important component of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor, intended to strengthen logistics connectivity between China and Europe while enhancing Georgia’s rail capacity; related developments around Georgia’s corridor role have also been tracked by Railway Supply.

Trans-Caspian corridor role and operational impacts

Stated operational outcomes include a 37 per cent improvement in average travel efficiency between Tbilisi and western Black Sea ports. The project is also credited with a doubling of annual freight capacity, supporting the route’s role in corridor logistics.

During construction, the works generated employment for around 1,000 local workers, alongside skills training and knowledge transfer linked to project delivery by China Railway 23rd Bureau Group Co.

Zestaponi–Khashuri link and expected wider benefits

With commissioning complete, the project is expected to support industrial upgrading and regional development along the corridor. It is also intended to deepen trade integration with neighbouring countries and reinforce Georgia’s position in transcontinental freight movement; the commissioning and related official ceremony have been covered by 1TV Georgia.

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