“The renewal of the Tbilisi Metro with 111 new cars is a truly historic event in the life of our city, as new rolling stock was last delivered to the Tbilisi subway 34 years ago,” stated Mayor of Tbilisi Kakha Kaladze during his visit to China at the manufacturing facility of CRRC, where an official presentation was held for the new train custom-built for the Georgian capital.
As noted during the event, the newly designed cars for Tbilisi are intended to become an integral part of the metro network and a symbol of Georgian-Chinese friendship.
Participants expressed hope that the event’s slogan—”Successful Development of the Tbilisi Metro”—heralds tangible prospects for the future.
During his address, Kakha Kaladze addressed the strategic importance of the metro for the capital, emphasizing that today’s event gives the transit system a new lease on life.
“I am genuinely delighted to visit the facility of one of the world’s largest metro rolling stock manufacturers—CRRC Corporation—for such a significant occasion for our city, and to share this joyful moment with you. Upgrading the Tbilisi Metro with 111 new train cars is truly a historic milestone for our capital, as the fleet was last replenished with new trains 34 years ago.
The Tbilisi Metro has a rich history. In its day, its launch marked a pivotal step in the development of the city’s transport infrastructure. Today, we continue that legacy by giving the metro fresh momentum to address the modern challenges and needs of Tbilisi.
For our city, the metro is not merely a means of transit, but an integral part of daily life. It is transportation used daily by hundreds of thousands of people. Modernizing the metro network, therefore, entails not just replacing rolling stock, but taking a major step toward creating an even more comfortable, safe, and modern urban environment,” Kakha Kaladze stated.
According to him, this large-scale rolling stock renewal project could not have materialized without the substantial support of the Georgian government and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Furthermore, the mayor underscored the key role of the partnership between Georgian company GT Group LLC and the world’s leading rolling stock manufacturer, China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC).
According to the mayor, the first modern four-car train is already fully assembled and will arrive in Tbilisi before the end of the year. In total, the Tbilisi Metro fleet will be expanded by 25 trainsets: 14 will consist of four cars, and 11 will be five-car configurations.
“I want to express my gratitude to everyone involved in this complex and demanding process. I thank our Chinese hosts for such a wonderful, warm welcome and their willingness to share our joy.
Right behind me stands the new Tbilisi Metro car, which simultaneously symbolizes a step into the future for Tbilisi. Congratulations to everyone on the successful delivery of this project!” said Kakha Kaladze.
For his part, CRRC Group Vice President Li Dingnan emphasized that the project will make a substantial contribution to deepening trade and economic relations between China and Georgia, bolster historic friendship, and advance transport and logistics connectivity between Asia and Europe.
“The Tbilisi Metro project stands as one of the flagship examples of the Belt and Road Initiative implemented by CRRC and reflects mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Georgia. Once in service, these trains will optimize the city’s transport network, enhance passenger service standards, and make commutes more comfortable. The project is of major significance for broadening bilateral economic ties, reinforcing traditional friendship, and strengthening transport links between Asia and Europe.
Today’s unveiling ceremony of the first train marks an important milestone in the project and turns a new page in expanding bilateral partnership and tapping into new markets together. We look forward to further broadening areas of engagement with all stakeholders in Georgia,” the CRRC Vice President concluded.
The ceremony was attended by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the People’s Republic of China Paata Kalandadze, Director of the Tbilisi Transport Company Giorgi Sharkov, co-founder of GT Group Gia Gvelesiani, CRRC Group Vice President Li Dingnan, Chairman of the Board of CRRC Puzhen Yang Qi, and General Manager of CRRC Puzhen Xu Haitao.