Georgia completes construction of the Rikoti Pass motorway

Georgia has completed the construction of a new high-speed motorway at the Rikoti Pass, reports 1tv.ge, citing data from the government and the Ministry of Infrastructure. Traffic on the new 52-km section has been open since 30 December and is expected to almost halve travel time between the eastern and western parts of the country.

From Tbilisi to Samtredia

Construction of the four-lane motorway at the Rikoti Pass began in 2019 and was carried out in four phases. Traffic was opened gradually, with the first two-kilometre section commissioned as early as 2020. The new 52-km motorway section at the Rikoti Pass has become one of the most complex infrastructure projects in Georgia. The route includes 51 tunnels and 97 bridges: the longest tunnel is 1.8 km long, while the longest bridge reaches 1.362 km. The high-speed road between Tbilisi and Samtredia completely bypasses populated areas, including the city of Zestafoni, reducing traffic pressure in residential zones and improving road safety.

The government notes that the motorway is fully equipped with modern lighting systems and meets international road safety standards. Bringing the road into operation has shortened the route by eight kilometres and almost halved travel time, significantly improving both domestic transportation and transit traffic through the country.

As part of the project, special commercial areas for local entrepreneurs have been arranged on both sides of the motorway near the village of Shrosha. The authorities expect these spaces to contribute to the development of small businesses and support the regional economy.

The Rikoti Pass motorway is a key section of the international East–West transport corridor (E60) and one of the backbone infrastructure projects of Georgia’s transport system. The project was implemented with co-financing from the Asian Development Bank, the European Investment Bank, the World Bank and the state budget of Georgia. The total cost of design and construction works is estimated at approximately GEL 2.6 billion.

Other projects

The completion of the Rikoti Pass motorway is part of a broader programme to modernise the international East–West corridor (E60), which is being consistently implemented in Georgia. At the end of 2025, a new eight-kilometre four-lane section of the Samtredia–Grigoleti motorway with bridges and interchanges was opened. The project aims to increase road capacity, improve logistics between the country’s western regions and Black Sea port infrastructure, and reduce accident rates by diverting transit traffic away from populated areas.

Another important element of the East–West corridor upgrade is the construction of the Surami bypass on the Zemo Osiauri–Chumateleti section, located in close proximity to the Rikoti Pass. The project is designed to relieve the existing road running through difficult mountainous terrain and ensure safer and more sustainable traffic flow. According to Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, the construction of bridges and tunnels has already been completed, and final engineering works are currently under way, including the installation of lighting and ventilation systems. Commissioning of the bypass is expected to further improve the efficiency of transport connections through Rikoti.

The development of the East–West corridor also extends to the coastal direction. In September 2025, the Asian Development Bank approved financing for the construction of a motorway section between the Batumi bypass road and the Sarpi border crossing on the Georgian–Turkish border. The loan amount totals €306.6 million. The project предусматривает construction of approximately 11 km of four-lane road, including a long tunnel and a bridge over the Chorokhi River, and is aimed at completing the last unfinished link of the international route along the Black Sea coast. The authorities view this section as critical for the development of foreign trade, transit and tourism links with Turkey.

What this means for investors

Analysts at International Investment note that the consistent modernisation of road infrastructure enhances the investment attractiveness of Georgia’s Black Sea coast, particularly areas south of Batumi. Improved transport connectivity reduces logistical constraints and increases accessibility of resort locations, directly affecting the hotel and recreational segments.

In this context, Gonio takes on particular importance as one of the country’s most prestigious resort areas, located near Batumi and the Turkish border. Its key advantages include the cleanest beaches in the country, high air quality and forest-covered mountains. Gonio hosts projects focused on the upper price segment and long-term tourism demand, including complexes managed by international hotel brands. Among them is Wyndham Grand Batumi Gonio, one of the largest properties in Eastern Europe. Such hotels raise the level of operational transparency, service standards and deliver the highest returns.

Infrastructure development within the East–West corridor means not only more convenient logistics, but also greater predictability of tourist and business flows. Combined with natural advantages, this creates a more stable investment environment on Georgia’s Black Sea coast.