Revaz Sokhadze, Minister of Infrastructure, met with representatives of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to discuss additional financing for Georgia’s road development projects. The meeting was attended by Leslie Berman Lam, Head of ADB’s Permanent Mission to Georgia, and Nicolas Dei Castelli, Chief Transport Specialist.
According to the Ministry, the main focus was the potential co-financing of the Tbilisi bypass road, specifically the Airport–Lochini and Lochini–Rustavi sections, as well as expanding the Kobuleti bypass with two additional lanes. The importance of Georgia’s partnership with ADB in supporting major infrastructure development was underlined during the discussions.
Currently, one of ADB’s largest approved projects in Georgia is the 11.3-kilometer Batumi-Sarpi highway, backed by a USD 360 million loan. The Ministry noted that a formal loan agreement for this project will be signed with the Ministry of Finance. Both sides reaffirmed their readiness to deepen cooperation on ongoing and future projects.
Tbilisi bypass project involves several key sections, including the most expensive one - the 22.5-kilometer Avchala to Airport section, estimated at USD 300 million. Other major segments include the Tsitsamuri–Avchala section (USD 150 million), the Airport–Lochini (USD 100 million), and the Lochini–Rustavi road (USD 70 million). The project will require extensive tunneling and new bridge construction, making it one of the most complex infrastructure undertakings in the country.
