The City Train project, which is designed to connect Tbilisi with Lilo and Rustavi, has moved to the next stage. The Asian Development Bank has published the final list of 6 international companies and consortia that have been shortlisted to prepare the feasibility study. The contenders include Italy’s Rina Consulting with Georgian partner Gergili, India’s RITES and ARG Project, Aarvee Engineering Consultants and CMC, Turkey’s BOTEK jointly with India’s Balaji Railroad Systems and Georgia’s Georgian Engineering Business Groups, Austria’s BERNARD Gruppe ZT GmbH in partnership with MC Mobility Consultants, as well as Turkey’s YUKSEL PROJE.

Bidders must submit their final proposals by December 1, 2026, with contract signing and the launch of the study scheduled for December 30. Eight months are allocated for the completion of the work. The procurement value is $393 thousand, with funding provided through an ADB loan. The study is to determine the most viable options for developing railway corridors in the Tbilisi metropolitan area, including routes toward Rustavi, Mtskheta, Lilo, Marneuli, and Ponichala.

As part of the feasibility study, experts will assess the potential for using existing railway tracks and, if necessary, consider the construction of new sections and bypass routes. The terms of reference specifically mention a potential line between the airport and Rustavi. The project aims to improve transfers between the national railway network and urban transport, boost residents’ mobility, and ensure regional accessibility. The final study must comply with the requirements of international financial institutions and serve as the basis for investment decisions.