Construction of the Batumi–Sarpi Highway Begins in Georgia

Georgia is starting construction of the new 11.3 km Batumi–Sarpi highway. The road is expected to redirect international and transit traffic away from Adjara’s coastal route and strengthen the country’s role in transport between Asia and Europe via the Caucasus and Turkey. The project is valued at more than GEL 809 million ($311 million), according to the Ministry of Infrastructure.

New Road from Batumi to Sarpi

The new 11.3 km Batumi–Sarpi highway will have two lanes. The project also includes a 7.6 km tunnel and three bridges, including a 1.47 km bridge crossing. In addition, a 500-meter coastal protection structure will be built. The Batumi–Sarpi tunnel will become the second-longest road tunnel in Georgia after the Kvesheti–Kobi tunnel.

The project is valued at more than GEL 809 million, and construction is scheduled to take 48 months. It will be financed through a loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and funds from Georgia’s state budget.

The contractor is China Railway Tunnel Group Co., Ltd. (CRTG), which won the international tender. The contract was signed by Salome Tsurtsumia, Deputy Chair of the Roads Department, and Liang Hongjun, an official representative of China Railway Tunnel Group.

Importance of the Batumi–Sarpi Highway for Transport

The new section between Batumi and Sarpi will become the final link of the East–West Highway toward Turkey, extending the Batumi bypass to the state border. The total length of the E60–E70 corridor is 428.35 km, of which 324.75 km had been opened to traffic by September 2026.

The Red Bridge–Tbilisi–Sarpi route, together with Black Sea ports and land border crossings, plays an important role in transport between Europe and Asia. The new section is expected to improve connectivity within this system and ease traffic in the southwest of the country.

Infrastructure Minister Revaz Sokhadze said Georgia has already established itself as a reliable and safe corridor for freight transport. In his view, the development of modern infrastructure will increase capacity and strengthen the country’s position in international logistics.

Gonio and Kvariati to Be Relieved of Transit Traffic

Gonio and Kvariati are popular seaside resorts south of Batumi, close to the Turkish border. This part of the coast is known for its clean sea and a combination of maritime and mountain climates. The official Georgia Travel portal highlights the clear water and iodine- and oxygen-rich air in these neighboring destinations.

The area attracts visitors from Georgia and abroad. At the same time, one of the main routes to the Turkish border runs through the area. Heavy tourist and local traffic is combined with international transport flows. Infrastructure Minister Revaz Sokhadze described the current situation as difficult and said the new highway would significantly reduce pressure on the coastal road.

After traffic is redistributed, the Roads Department and municipal authorities plan to improve the coastal area. Sokhadze links the project to the further development of Adjara and fuller use of the region’s recreational potential.

Prospects for Gonio and Kvariati

The Georgian authorities intend to pursue comprehensive development of the Gonio–Kvariati area. In May 2026, part of the resort zone was granted special regulatory status, followed by the preparation of a separate development plan covering 258.8 hectares. In this part of Adjara, plans call for a multifunctional environment combining housing, tourism and recreational facilities, public spaces and modern infrastructure.

The largest private project announced for this part of the coast is Gonio Yachts & Marina, developed by UAE-based Eagle Hills. The roughly 250-hectare site is expected to include a yacht marina, residential complexes, hotels, retail facilities and green areas.

Another large-scale development is Wyndham Grand Batumi Gonio, which will comprise five luxury all-inclusive hotels. The premium Wyndham Grand brand is represented by only 95 properties worldwide, and this format is used in just three of them. The arrival of such a complex strengthens Gonio’s position as a promising international resort destination.

What This Means for Investors

International Investment analysts note that the new highway could significantly improve the investment appeal of Gonio–Kvariati. Redirecting transit traffic away from the resort strip will reduce congestion and noise, while better transport links will make the location more accessible. These factors are critical for the real estate market, as environmental quality and ease of access directly affect demand, property values and developer interest.

The strongest potential is associated with high-end projects. Georgia still has a relatively limited supply of premium resort properties, so infrastructure development creates additional room for expansion in this segment.

For investors, such real estate can offer higher returns and greater resilience compared with conventional rentals and the mass-market hotel sector. Higher room rates, a more affluent clientele and professional management help reduce dependence on price competition and seasonal fluctuations.