Tbilisi Railway Bypass project - EBRD AGM Issue Paper

On March 9, 2010, a loan for the Tbilisi Railway Bypass Project, initiated by the Georgian Railway company, was approved by the EBRD. The main goal of this project, rated category A by the EBRD, is to construct a new section of railway that bypasses the central part of Tbilisi in order to avoid the transit of hazardous freight (such as oil and oil products) through the middle of the city.

While this main goal is welcomed, there are several strong concerns that undermine the project goals and may cause a serious threat to Tbilisis population.