Georgian PM marks Tbilisi Metro’s 60th anniversary, thanks staff and veterans

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has congratulated metro employees on their professional day, expressing particular respect for veterans and thanking current staff for their work, as Tbilisi Metro marked its 60th anniversary.

Kobakhidze said the capital’s transport system was now unimaginable without the metro, which carries around half a million passengers a day, including residents and visitors.

“It is our duty to ensure the system operates fully and safely,” he said.

The Prime Minister noted that the city authorities had upgraded critical infrastructure, including the complete replacement of 560 kilometres of power cables and ventilation systems. Station rehabilitation works are under way and will cover a further 12 stations, he added. The metro fleet is also being expanded with 111 new European-standard carriages to improve passenger comfort.

Kobakhidze recalled that when it opened, Tbilisi Metro was the 26th system of its kind in the world. The first test train ran on 28 November 1965, while regular passenger services began in 1966. He also highlighted the opening of the State University station in 2017 as one of the most complex infrastructure projects completed in Georgia’s modern history.

Around 2,800 professionals ensure the metro’s daily operation, he said. “I congratulate every metro employee on their professional day. I express special respect to the veterans, on whose work the metro’s history stands, and thank the current employees - it is thanks to you that this complex strategic facility continues to function reliably today,” Kobakhidze said.