The renewal of the Tbilisi Metro with 111 new cars is a historic event for the city, as the last new metro cars were added 34 years ago, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze said during a visit to China.
Kaladze attended a ceremony at CRRC, one of the world’s largest metro car manufacturers, where the first new train produced specifically for the Tbilisi Metro was unveiled.
The new metro cars have been designed specifically for the Georgian capital and are expected to become an integral part of the Tbilisi Metro and a symbol of friendship between Georgia and China.
The event also expressed hope that the slogan “Successful Development of the Tbilisi Metro” would become a reality.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kaladze highlighted the importance of the metro to the capital and said the project would give the system “new life.”
“I am pleased to be at one of the world’s largest metro car manufacturers today for an important development for our capital and to share this happy occasion with you. The renewal of the Tbilisi Metro with 111 new cars is truly a historic event for our city, as the last new cars were added to the Tbilisi Metro 34 years ago,” Kaladze said.
He noted that the Tbilisi Metro has a long history and that its creation was once one of the most important steps in the city’s transport development.
“Today, we are continuing this history and giving new life to the metro, which must respond to the needs of modern Tbilisi.
“The metro is not merely a means of transportation for Tbilisi. It is part of the city’s everyday life. It is a mode of transport used by hundreds of thousands of people every day. Therefore, renewing the metro does not simply mean upgrading transport; it is a step toward creating an even more comfortable, safe and modern environment,” Kaladze said.
According to the mayor, the metro renewal project would not have been possible without the significant support of the Georgian government and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
He also highlighted the cooperation of Georgian company GT Group with CRRC, one of China’s largest rail rolling-stock manufacturers.
Kaladze said the first fully modern four-car train has already been completed and is expected to arrive in Tbilisi by the end of the year.
A total of 25 trains will be added to the Tbilisi Metro under the project, including 14 four-car trains and 11 five-car trains.
“I would like to thank everyone who participated in this difficult and responsible process. I thank our Chinese hosts for the wonderful and warm welcome and for sharing our joy.
“Behind me now stands a new metro car intended for the Tbilisi Metro, which is also a new step toward the future of Tbilisi. Congratulations on the successful implementation of the project!” Kaladze said.
For his part, Li Dingnan, Vice President of the CRRC Group, said the project would contribute to deepening economic and trade relations between China and Georgia, strengthening their historic friendship and enhancing connectivity between Asia and Europe.
“The Tbilisi Metro project is one of CRRC’s symbolic projects for the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative and is the result of mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Georgia. Once put into operation, it will further improve the city’s transport network, raise the level of public services and make travel more convenient for citizens.
“The project will be of great importance for deepening economic and trade relations between China and Georgia, strengthening their historic friendship and connecting Asia and Europe,” Li said.
He described the unveiling of the first train as an important milestone in the project and “a new beginning” for the two sides to deepen cooperation and jointly explore new markets.
“We hope that in the future, together with all stakeholders in Georgia, we will expand the areas of cooperation,” Li said.
