Tbilisi Dry Port is set to begin full-scale railway operations in May after receiving official safety approval from the national transport authority. This development marks a significant milestone for Georgia’s logistics infrastructure.
Tbilisi Dry Port has become the first infrastructure manager in Georgia to receive security clearance under the new railway safety regulations that come into force on January 1, 2025. The Rail Transport Agency confirmed that the owner of the access road, Tbilisi Dry Port LLC, has completed the approval process. The agency continues to consider similar applications from other companies in the sector.
Agency Director Erekle Kezherashvili stressed that close cooperation with railway companies and infrastructure managers continues. The agency provides comprehensive support to help all stakeholders adapt to new safety standards. The main goal of these efforts is to maximize overall railway safety and ensure that Georgia fulfills its obligations under the European Union Association Agreement. Established clear procedures will strengthen transparency and regulatory compliance in the sector.
Global Investments Expand Tbilisi Dry Port
The strategic importance of Tbilisi Dry Port is also attracting the attention of global investors. In 2023, Abu Dhabi-based AD Ports Group signed an important partnership by purchasing a 60% stake in the port. This partnership further strengthens the international position of Tbilisi Dry Port as a regional logistics hub.
The first phase of the project has been invested in $20 million. Once completed, the three-phase development will significantly increase freight transport capacity in the region. The dry port’s location at a key transit point between Europe and Asia places Georgia in a strategic position. Once the port is fully operational, trade across the region is expected to grow.
The Agency for Railway Transport continues its active cooperation with more infrastructure owners applying for similar certificates. These developments indicate that the railway sector in Georgia is undergoing a significant transformation towards modern and regulated operations.
