Georgian PM: Georgia’s strategic location key to restoring historical transit role

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday highlighted Georgia’s strategic location linking Europe and Asia, underlining the importance of the newly opened 8-kilometre section of the Samtredia-Grigoleti highway in restoring Georgia’s historical transit role.

Kobakhidze inaugurated an 8-kilometre four-lane segment of the Samtredia-Grigoleti highway.

“This is the new 8-kilometre section of the Samtredia-Grigoleti highway, specifically the Lanchkhuti-Lesa section, which is four lanes and built to the highest modern standards. It includes three new bridges and two transport interchanges. This was a rather complex section, and I thank the Ministry for carrying out this project with the proper quality and within the set deadlines”, he said.

The Prime Minister noted that the project aimed to reduce traffic congestion in Lanchkhuti and surrounding villages, improve safety, and provide greater comfort and efficiency for travellers.

“This project is significant in many ways, including in terms of easing traffic in the city of Lanchkhuti and the surrounding villages, which for the local population means less noise, more comfort, and greater safety. For travellers, it means reduced travel time and more comfort. In this sense, the completion of this project is important for both our citizens and our visitors. Earlier this year, we already opened a very important section of the Rikoti bypass. Today’s 8-kilometre section is part of the 12-kilometre Samtredia–Grigoleti highway. Work will continue actively, and the construction of the entire section will be completed in the near future”, he noted.

Kobakhidze reiterated that modernising transport infrastructure was central to reviving Georgia’s ancient role as the primary transit bridge between Europe and Asia.

“As you know, Georgia has a unique, strategic location. Traditionally, we have been a country connecting Europe and Asia, and we have held a very important transit function. As you know, one of our main goals is to restore this traditional historical role of our country to the fullest. The construction of the high-speed highway plays a special role and significance in this”, he concluded.