Georgian PM: Freight Traffic Along Middle Corridor Has Increased Sevenfold Since 2020

Freight traffic along the Middle Corridor has increased sevenfold since 2020, creating demand for new transport infrastructure that Georgia is actively working to develop, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said.

Kobakhidze made the remarks during an appearance on Open Air, a programme aired by Georgia’s Imedi TV, while discussing regional connectivity and the potential impact of the TRIPP transport route on Georgia’s role as a transit hub.

The prime minister said Georgia does not view TRIPP as a competitor to existing transport routes through the country, arguing that rapidly growing freight volumes across the Middle Corridor have created an objective need for additional routes.

“As for the TRIPP route, which is an alternative route, we do not regard it as a competitor. There is one simple reason for this freight traffic along the Middle Corridor has increased to such an extent that there is an objective need for diversification,” Kobakhidze said.

“We do not believe that the TRIPP route, or any other route, can create any substantial problems for the traditional routes passing through Georgia. This also applies to Anaklia. There is very strong interest in Anaklia, and that interest itself demonstrates that the Anaklia route and the route through Georgia do not face a competitor,” he added.

Kobakhidze said the sevenfold increase in Middle Corridor freight traffic since 2020 requires continued investment in ports, roads, railways and aviation infrastructure.

“Since 2020, freight traffic along the Middle Corridor has increased sevenfold overall. This requires new infrastructure, and we are actively working on it,” he said.

The prime minister cited the development of Anaklia deep-sea port, the potential expansion of Poti port and investment in aviation infrastructure among the government’s key connectivity projects.

“Aviation infrastructure is important not only for passenger transportation, but also for freight. Then there are highways and expressways under our plan, all highways and expressways should be completed by 2031. It may be possible to complete almost all of them in 2030, with perhaps one section remaining for 2031,” Kobakhidze said.

He added that the government was also working on further modernisation of Georgia’s railway network, which he said would increase both train speeds and the volume of freight transported by rail.

Kobakhidze said the government has ambitious plans aimed at further increasing freight flows through Georgia and strengthening the country’s connectivity role.

“Once again, TRIPP is not a competitor to our route. Given the trends we are currently seeing along the Middle Corridor, it will in fact be complementary,” Kobakhidze said.

“The main thing for us is to fully implement the connectivity plan we have set out,” he added.