Georgia Railways has undergone major reforms over the past year, including staff optimization and changes in procurement that have generated significant savings, Deputy Economy Minister Tamar Ioseliani said. She added that the company’s financial performance has improved, with net profit doubling.
Ioseliani highlighted several major railway projects, including completion of the Rikoti Pass modernization project and the full launch of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. Passenger rail service between Baku and Tbilisi was also restored after a six-year break, while travel time between Tbilisi and Batumi was reduced from 5.5 hours to four hours.
The railway is also expanding and renewing its rolling stock. A tender has been announced for the purchase of up to 50 new locomotives, while 200 new railcars have already been purchased. Ioseliani said the railcars were procured directly from the manufacturer, generating savings that will be directed toward the company’s further development.
“By the end of the year, we plan to purchase an additional 200 new railcars, which will significantly increase Georgia Railways’ capacity,” Ioseliani said. “Georgia Railways plays a crucial role in the Middle Corridor; therefore, our goal is to double railway capacity and, accordingly, reduce the time required to cross the country.”
