The Transport Corridor Research Center (TCRC) says Georgia should develop a clear short- and long-term strategy on toll roads, warning that public debate is needed around potential changes to major highways, including the Rikoti corridor.
The organization raised questions after the Infrastructure Ministry announced accelerated rehabilitation of the Gomi–Sachkhere–Chiatura–Zestaponi road, suggesting it could serve as an alternative route to the East–West highway. This has fueled speculation about whether parts of the Rikoti highway could eventually be converted into a paid road.
TCRC emphasized that while alternative routes exist, many are not designed for heavy transit traffic, making them unsuitable replacements for major international corridors. The group also stressed that any move toward toll roads should not be introduced without prior public disclosure and a comprehensive national strategy.
According to the center, Georgia already collects around 171 million GEL annually from transit-related road use fees, while annual road maintenance costs exceed this amount. It argues that decisions on tolling must be based on detailed economic studies and international best practices, which should be publicly available before any policy changes are implemented.
