Georgian PM: new Bakurtsikhe-Tsnori road to “significantly improve” traffic, safety standards

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday said a new 18-km Bakurtsikhe-Tsnori road - a part of the 35-km Kakheti Highway stretching from the capital of Tbilisi to the central part of the eastern region - would “significantly improve” traffic and safety standards, reduce travel time “by a factor of three” and increase traffic capacity “by a factor of 2.5”.

Speaking at the opening of the road, the PM emphasised the importance of this development for locals as well as visitors of the region, highlighting the relief it would bring to “densely populated” Tsnori and six nearby villages.

In 2021, we began constructing a 35-km section of the Kakheti International Highway with budget financing. Last year, we opened a four km section for road transport, and the high-speed works on other sections are in their final phase”, Kobakhidze said.

• First section of Kakheti Highway opens, project to be completed in 2024

The new Bakurtsikhe-Tsnori road is one of the most important parts of this highway and the international road route in general. This section of the road features a two-lane asphalt-concrete surface, an external lighting system, and, importantly, energy-efficient solar panels are being used for the first time”, he added.

Energy-efficient solar panels are being used for the first time on the road in Georgia. Photo: Gov't Administration

The Prime Minister also said the construction of highways in the country had increased threefold over the last decade, with plans for further expansion underway.

Over the last decade, highway construction in Georgia has tripled in pace, with 232 km of highways built since 2012 compared to 68 km built by 2012. This year alone, a total of 90 km of highways will be opened, more than what was built and opened in all the years before 2012”, he said.

Kobakhidze highlighted the Government’s efforts in improving the safety standards of international road corridors passing through Georgia over the last decade.

This is very important for our economic growth. This improves connectivity, restoring the traditional function of our country. The country is becoming a logistics centre. This contributes to the development of tourism, and in the end, all this is important in order to improve the social standards of our population”, he said.

The Prime Minister recognised the support of international partners, particularly expressing gratitude to the Asian Development Bank for its “significant support” in the implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects in the country.

He noted the transition of Georgia from being a beneficiary to a donor country with respect to the ADB, reflecting the “fruitful cooperation” between the two parties.

• Georgia becomes ADB donor country for first time with contribution to $5bln fund

Kobakhidze also thanked Irakli Karseladze, the Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure, as well as “all individuals” involved in the construction of the road, including Georgian and foreign engineers, builders and various specialists.

He reiterated the commitment of the Government to continue implementing “such crucial projects” in the future, with the goal of building a “better future” for Georgia and further developing the country’s potential.