Georgian Railway has announced an international tender to purchase 45 new mainline freight electric locomotives worth $350 million, financed equally by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor project.
The winning bidder will be responsible for designing, manufacturing, delivering, testing, and commissioning the locomotives, as well as providing two years of warranty and 10 years of maintenance services. The first locomotive must be delivered within 27 months, with all 45 units supplied within 55 months.
The contract also requires the construction of a new maintenance depot in Khashuri, while bidders must demonstrate significant experience in locomotive production and servicing. Proposals are due by October 30, 2026, with bids evaluated based on 60% price and 40% technical criteria.
According to Georgian Railway, this will be the country's first purchase of new mainline freight electric locomotives since independence. The company currently operates 91 locomotives, most of which are over 35 years old, making fleet renewal a strategic priority.
