On December 16, in Tbilisi, the heads of the railway companies of Armenia and Georgia reviewed their joint activities for 2024, highlighting their effective collaboration in addressing the aftermath of the May flooding in Armenia.
During the meeting, Alexey Melnikov, General Director of South Caucasus Railway (SCR), and David Peradze, General Director of Georgian Railway (GR), assessed the results of their cooperation and outlined plans for 2025. Particular attention was given to the assistance provided by Georgian railway workers in restoring SCR infrastructure damaged by the flooding of the Debed River in May 2024.
According to SCR’s press service, David Peradze was awarded the “Cooperation and Interaction with SCR” badge for his prompt support in disaster response efforts. Additionally, 11 locomotive engineers and their assistants received the “For Mutual Assistance with SCR” badge for their professionalism during the restoration work. The Georgian side contributed 30 freight cars, a locomotive, and sent specialists to Armenia to aid the recovery efforts.
“The emergency situation in Armenia’s Lori Province demonstrated the strong friendship and brotherhood between the railway companies of Georgia and the Republic of Armenia,” emphasized Alexey Melnikov, General Director of SCR, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the leadership and team of Georgian Railway.
The meeting also addressed the organization of container transportation in international railway operations and adjustments to the tariff policy for 2025. The parties agreed to maintain the unified through-tariff rates that were in effect in 2024. Special attention was given to organizing passenger transportation for the summer season of the upcoming year.
The Georgian side announced the implementation of a new ticketing program, Orion 2, which will undergo joint pilot testing starting in April 2025. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their partnership and enhancing the operational efficiency of the railways in both countries.
