Project Preparation Study for the Tbilisi Metro Upgrade Underway

April 25, 2017

TBILISI, GEORGIA – CDIA’s Project Preparation Study (PPS) for the Tbilisi Metro System Upgrade kicked-off in late February 2017; and is targeting the modernization of the facility and the improvement of its operation to meet present day technical, operational, safety and accessibility standards. The project is envisaged to facilitate a shift to sustainable urban mobility in the Tbilisi urban area.

The Metro System, which is operated by the Tbilisi Transport Company was commissioned in 1966. Having a total length of 27.1 km, it now comprises two lines, one from Akhmeteli to Varketili and the other from Moedani to Vazha-Pshavela. It currently serves an average of 450,000 passengers per day. Despite effective management and stable performance, the Metro System urgently needs to be modernized as it has largely outdated and dilapidated infrastructure, causing significant public safety concerns.

CDIA aims to help the city government make the transition possible by preparing a phased Metro System refurbishment and upgrade plan, including an investment plan. In particular, the anticipated outputs of the PPS include:  1) audit and inventory of the existing Metro System assets; 2) Metro upgrade and refurbishment plan with itemized definition of components and associated costs and benefits; and 3) phased investment plan for the Metro modernization.

CDIA’s Senior Urban Environmental Engineer Neil Chadder, when asked about the status of the project shared that, “this is a very exciting project. Project inception has been smooth and the current data collection process is proceeding very well thanks to the good working relationship established between CDIA, its consultants and the Tbilisi Transport Company.”

The initial findings of the study will be presented in early May and will form the basis of the plans for the Metro System upgrade. CDIA’s PPS is expected to be completed by third quarter of 2017.