Infrastructure Minister talks state of Georgia's int’l road network, development plans at Europe’s mobility flagship event

Georgian Infrastructure Minister Irakli Karseladze reviewed the country’s international road network and its development plans at Connecting Europe Days 2022, Europe’s mobility flagship event held in Lyon, France, the Ministry announced on Thursday. 

During a discussion panel of the Ministers of Infrastructure of Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, Karseladze also noted the development of the Georgian east-west highway, a part of the Trans-European Transport Network, was “successfully” continuing in the country, with 51 percent of the project built. The number is expected to reach 63 percent by the end of the year.

The Minister highlighted the recent opening of a 70km highway section in Georgia despite the global pandemic, saying it had reduced travel time across the country by one hour.

• Project facilitating road safety launched in Georgia

With the discussion focusing on the impact of the war in Ukraine on transport links and the process of further recovery from the pandemic, the officials of the three countries spoke of the possibility of an effective solution to the consequences of ongoing hostilities in the region, and the modernisation of the Trans-European Transport Network. 

The Georgian Minister highlighted land transport infrastructure and customs checkpoints in the country had the resources to both meet the existing demand and “handle even increased freight flows properly”.

• Deputy Economy Minister announces National Road Safety Strategy, Action Plan

Held between Tuesday and Thursday, the European event brought together politicians, industry representatives and the European Commission to discuss transport and mobility issues for the European Union to achieve the objectives set out in its European Green Deal and the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy.