The Expression of Interest stage has officially concluded in the international tender for a feasibility study on developing a surface commuter rail network in Tbilisi and its suburbs.
According to information published on the Asian Development Bank (ADB) website, the final deadline for submissions expired on August 5, 2026.
Notably, the procurement process was postponed several times. The initial deadline for submissions was set for June 11, 2026 (a 30-day window). The deadline was subsequently extended first to July 13, then to July 20, later to July 27, and finally to August 3.
The project is currently at the stage of evaluating submitted applications and compiling a shortlist of qualified bidders.
According to ADB data, the contract award to the selected consulting firms and the commencement of work are scheduled for December 30, 2026. The duration of the services will be eight months, with a procurement budget of $393,000.
The international tender was announced by the Asian Development Bank, and the project is being funded through loan proceeds from this international financial institution.
The primary objectives of the terms of reference include improving multimodal connectivity between the national railway network and urban public transit, enhancing passenger mobility and regional accessibility across Tbilisi’s suburbs, supporting sustainable urban and transport development within national and municipal policy frameworks, and delivering an investment-grade feasibility study to mobilize financing from international institutions.
The project entails preparing a comprehensive feasibility study to identify optimal options for developing rail corridors across the Tbilisi metropolitan area (Rustavi, Mtskheta, east of Lilo, Marneuli, and Ponichala).
“This primarily involves utilizing existing infrastructure; however, if necessary, the construction of new rail sections and/or bypass lines may be considered—in particular, on the section from the airport to Rustavi,” the terms of reference emphasize.