Rehabilitation works on the 16-kilometer section (km17–km33) of the Kakaskhidi–Zekari road have been completed, according to the Roads Department of Georgia’s Ministry of Infrastructure. The mountain pass, located at an altitude of 1,700–2,100 meters above sea level, posed significant geographic and geological challenges, resulting in a major construction delay.
The project was divided into two lots: km17–km26 and km26–km33. The tender for the first section was announced in November 2020, with New Road company winning the contract in April 2021 for 38.9 million GEL. The works were initially scheduled for completion in January 2024 but were postponed due to complex geological conditions, leading to 37 contract amendments. The second section’s tender was announced in December 2022, also won by New Road in March 2023 for 22.9 million GEL. That contract was amended 26 times before the project’s full completion.
The rehabilitation included laying asphalt-concrete pavement, installing water pipes, retaining walls, and road signs, as well as completing horizontal road markings.
The upgraded section is part of the Baghdati–Abastumani road, a key regional corridor expected to improve travel efficiency, reduce the journey time by 90–120 minutes from central Georgia to the Turkish border, and stimulate economic activity. The total project cost reached 65 million GEL, fully financed by the state budget.
