Georgian PM highlights historic milestone in country’s road infrastructure development with completion of construction of Kvesheti-Kobi tunnel

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday highlighted a historic milestone in the country’s road infrastructure development with the completion of the construction of the longest tunnel in Georgia, 9-km long and 15-m in width Kvesheti-Kobi tunnel.

In his remarks over the matter, Kobakhidze noted that the new tunnel represented a triumph of new technologies as it had been carved with a tunnel boring machine drill specially designed for this project.

“Congratulations! We are witnessing a historic moment. A unique tunnel was carved. Today is a truly historic day for the development of road infrastructure, it can be safely said that today we celebrate the carving of the longest, the 9 km long continuous road tunnel in Georgia”, Kobakhidze said.

The PM noted that the new road would “significantly” reduce travel time by 45 minutes.

“The new 23 km long road, which includes five tunnels, will significantly improve road safety standards and ensure safe and comfortable travel for both the citizens of our country and its guests”, Kobakhidze continued.

He also emphasised that the project was adhering to environmental impact reduction standards.

The Georgian Prime Minister asserted that this project would not only have economic but also social impact.

“The Kvesheti-Kobi project not only signifies the development of road infrastructure but also improves connections between our country's regions, including mountain villages and township villages”, he said.

The project is especially effective for ten villages whose populations were previously deprived of road connections, lacking access to medical, educational, or household services.

“The new road will connect these villages to the county's central towns and regions year-round, providing new opportunities to improve their social and economic conditions”, Kobakhidze stressed.

He highlighted the importance of preserving the mountain population's residence places, strengthening local communities, and protecting cultural heritage embodied in these unique villages.

Kobakhidze expressed gratitude to all participants in building the tunnel, including engineers, builders, specialists from various fields, as well as partners such as the Asian Development Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, whose support was instrumental in implementing the project.

“I also thank our Chinese and Turkish friends for their contribution to the project, and I extend special gratitude to the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia, particularly to the Minister Irakli Karseladze, for his significant role in the project's successful implementation. […] Such investments aimed at development ensure the progress and development of our country and the European future of our country”, Kobakhidze concluded.

The total cost of the project amounts to GEL 1.2 billion.