ADB Investment in Batumi Bypass to Improve Logistics, Transport in Georgia

ADB

The project will construct a new 14.3 kilometer bypass road skirting the port city of Batumi — Georgia’s second largest city and a crucial entry-exit point for the trade commodities plying through East-West Highway.

TBILISI, GEORGIA (29 March 2017) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $114 million loan to help improve regional connectivity and road transport efficiency in Georgia, while strengthening the country’s bid to become a regional transport and logistics hub.

ADB is also expected to manage and administer up to $114 million in additional financing for the project provided by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). This is the first ADB project to be cofinanced with another development partner in Georgia, and the third project to be cofinanced by ADB and AIIB.

The project will construct a new 14.3 kilometer (km) bypass road skirting the port city of Batumi — Georgia’s second largest city and a crucial entry-exit point for the trade commodities plying through East-West Highway.

“Georgia is well poised to become a stronger transport and logistics hub for the Caucasus region — something that could help propel the country’s growth and development,” said Yesim Elhan-Kayalar, ADB Country Director in Georgia. “ADB is committed to play a seminal role in improving the country’s transport connectivity and the sustainability of its road network through this project.”

The new two-lane bypass road starting from the Senaki-Poti-Sarpi road and ending at the juncture of the existing Batumi-Akhaltsikhe road is an integral part of the East-West Highway. The Government of Georgia aims to make Georgia the preferred gateway for businesses working between Asia and Europe.

As part of the financing, performance-based maintenance contracts will be implemented for the routine and periodic maintenance of about 200 km of international and connecting secondary roads. These contracts will consist of output and performance-based components including initial repairs, routine maintenance, periodic maintenance, and emergency maintenance works for effectiveness and efficiency.

Since 2007, ADB has mobilized more than $2.1 billion in public and private sector financing operations for Georgia.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, ADB is celebrating 50 years of development partnership in the region. It is owned by 67 members—48 from the region.