Fresh murals, new lighting transform Tbilisi’s Heroes Square underpass in new initiative

One of the principal underground crossings in Georgia's capital is being adorned with brand-new murals and equipped with lighting, transforming the long-neglected Heroes Square underpass into a safe and usable passage.

The underpass, enabling pedestrians to cross the major square in downtown Tbilisi, had been in dreary condition for years with low sanitary standards, lack of lighting and maintenance.

A group of young artists were invited to paint the walls of the Heroes Square underpass. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.

It reflected the condition of many other underground crossings in the city, which prompted citizens to prefer violating traffic regulations by crossing a street instead of taking the passage.

In a newly announced initiative by Tbilisi City Hall, the Heroes Square crossing is now being equipped to make it safe and comfortable for pedestrians.

An artist paints a previously plain wall in the crossing. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.

Along with new light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, the area was also used for mural art by a group of young artists.

Around 30 urban painters were invited to create their colourful and original designs for the previously grey and grim spaces of the underpass that directs passersby in several directions under the Square.

A completed mural in the underground passage. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.

The artists are set to complete their work at the site later this week, leaving marks of their artistic style on the walls.

Tbilisi City Hall said other underpasses under the management of its municipal company would also be decorated with murals within the move.

The painting of murals is set to conclude in the crossing later this week. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.

A total of 55 underground crossings are in operation in Georgia's capital. They are also set to be equipped with security cameras to ensure safety of citizens using the infrastructure.