Infrastructure Minister: public to see results of major infrastructure projects next year

More than 400 tenders worth ₾8.5 billion have been announced by agencies under the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure, with projects worth a further ₾5 billion expected to be announced by the end of the year, Regional Development and Infrastructure Minister Revaz Sokhadze said on Saturday.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Sokhadze discussed ongoing and planned road infrastructure projects, saying the public would begin to see their results next year.

He noted that the ministry had overcome significant challenges to reach a stage where it could announce upcoming tenders and construction starts with confidence.

Among the projects due to begin soon, he cited construction of the Sarpi Tunnel, which will directly connect the Batumi Bypass with Sarpi and divert transit traffic away from Gonio and the surrounding tourist area.

He further noted that work would begin on adding two lanes to the Kobuleti Bypass and on the Anaklia road, while design work was underway for the four-lane Samtredia-Zugdidi highway.

“Tenders have been announced for the Tbilisi Bypass, with winning bidders already selected for two sections. Winners for the remaining sections are expected to be identified soon”, he said.

Sokhadze highlighted that the road would be important both for the East-West Corridor and for improving traffic in Tbilisi.

The Minister added that a tender for a 3.6-kilometre road connecting Rustavi would be announced soon, while projects on the Rustavi-Red Bridge and Rustavi-Sadakhlo routes were at the evaluation stage. Construction is expected to begin after the winning bidders are selected.

Sokhadze further addressed problems with the Sagarejo-Badiauri section of the road in Kakheti, saying the ministry had prioritised quality over opening the road on schedule.

“We could have opened this road this year, and I assure you that most people would not have noticed the defects we identified. We would rather open a road later, but ensure that it is properly built and meets quality standards, so that we can be confident in its quality”, he concluded.