The World Bank Group has approved a $372 million loan to Georgia for the development of its transport infrastructure. The funds will be used to purchase new locomotives for Georgian Railways, modernize the railway network, and construct highways in the Kakheti region.
The financing will be part of the TC-GATE project, which aims to develop the Georgian section of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, connecting Europe and Asia. The program plans to increase railway capacity, build new electrical substations, and modernize existing infrastructure. Additionally, sections of the Badiuri – Chalaubani, Chalaubani – Bakurtsikhe, and Gurjaani – Telavi roads will be constructed.
The total cost of the project is estimated at approximately $751 million. In addition to the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank intend to participate in the financing. The Georgian authorities expect that the project's implementation will enhance the efficiency of the Middle Corridor, improve transport links within the country, and strengthen Georgia's position as an important transit hub for international trade.