The Ministry of Internal Affairs has submitted amendments to the Railway Code that would prohibit Georgian Railway from using private security companies. The draft law proposes transferring all railway security responsibilities to the Security Police under the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Currently, Georgian Railway relies on private security firms, with contracts totaling 10.9 million GEL. Under the proposed law, the railway would employ 635 security police officers to take over protection duties for cargo, railway stations, and rolling stock. The explanatory note states that private security usage “poses a threat to the unity of railway security,” though it does not elaborate on specific risks.
The draft law notes that this shift may have financial consequences: private security companies would lose revenues of 10.9 million GEL, while costs for Georgian Railways could rise due to contracting the Security Police. The law would also create 635 new jobs within the Security Police to ensure full coverage of the railway infrastructure.
If enacted, the changes will consolidate railway security under a public law entity, ending the involvement of private security firms in safeguarding Georgia’s rail transport and cargo facilities.
