27-Kilometer Rikoti New Highway Section Opens for Traffic
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, October 30, 2023
On October 29, a significant 27-kilometre stretch opened for traffic at the Rikoti Pass in Georgia. This newly accessible 4-lane road segment connects Khevi village in the Kharagauli municipality to the Shorapani settlement in the Zestaponi municipality.
This section's completion is marked by the incorporation of an extensive infrastructure-comprising 65 bridges and 38 tunnels-effectively reducing travel time across the Rikoti Pass by 25 minutes.
The Rikoti Pass project commenced in 2019 and involves the development of a 52-kilometer road. This initiative encompasses the construction of a total of 97 bridges and 51 tunnels.
The construction activities have provided employment to over 10,000 individuals, with 70% being Georgian citizens. The project, valued at GEL 2.6 billion, is funded by the European Investment Bank (EIB), World Bank (WB), and Asian Development Bank (ABD). The overall project completion is expected in 2024.
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili, in his address at the opening ceremony, highlighted that the new road's opening will significantly facilitate movement for Georgian citizens, tourists, passengers, and all those utilizing this route.
"First of all, I want to tell you that I am very thrilled to participate in the opening ceremony of such an important and large-scale project. We all understand the profound significance of constructing highways, roads, and particularly the East-West highway for the development of our country.
As of today, 261 kilometers of highways are accessible, with 193 kilometers built and opened during our administration. The Rikoti section was, and still is, deemed one of the most challenging sections due to its difficulties. However, you are witnessing a four-lane expressway being built and the process continues." Gharibashvili said.
According to Gharibashvili, constructing roads and highways is costly and time-consuming, yet crucial for the country's growth.
"I've said it before, and I'll reiterate - the construction of roads and highways signifies swift development and prosperity. We acknowledge that these large-scale projects are lengthy and costly, but the transformation within the country is evident. Throughout this period, the nation has been evolving, becoming more developed, strengthened, and enriched. This progress achieved within the country will be distributed across different regions," the Prime Minister stated.
Gharibashvili expressed gratitude towards the European Union Ambassador to Georgia, Pawel Herczynski, representatives from the European Investment Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, and all donor organizations who played a role in making the project possible.
