12 Tbilisi metro stations to be modernized between 2023-2029

Tbilisi: During the government session on July 12, 2023, the Mayor of Tbilisi, Kakha Kaladze, announced that the project of modernization of 12 Tbilisi metro stations will be implemented between 2023-2029.

 The Bank of Europe for Reconstruction and Development(EBRD) is actively involved in the Tbilisi metro stations modernization project. Over 50.6 million Euros have already been allocated for this, and 5 million Euros in the form of grants. 

The preliminary technical-economic survey of the mentioned metro stations by the international consulting company EGIS has already been prepared. In addition, a consultant was selected with the support of the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), who will help Tbilisi Transport Company in purchasing various services.

Within the framework of the rehabilitation of metro stations, three escalators of the third exit of “Station Square” will be replaced. Over 36 escalator electric motors will be modernized, which will save electricity. 

Additionally, the control panels of escalators and electromechanical equipment will be replaced. The passenger information system will be updated. Physical accessibility of station entrances will be improved. Among them, special curved lifts will be installed at several subway stations. 

Two lifts will be installed at the “Station Square” junction to improve access between the first and second lines. Centralized drainage pumping stations will be rehabilitated, and replacement of fire-fighting systems, special and administrative telephone systems, continuous power supply (UPS) stations for centralized and block signalling, as well as automatic control points will also be undertaken. 

The ventilation system outside the stations will be rehabilitated, in total, 18 ventilators and control systems. The United metro workshops will be completely rearmed, and the buildings-wraps will be repaired. Metro Training Center will be rearmed. 

Technical tools and equipment will be updated. As a result of the implementation of these works, the work of the metro will be significantly improved, which will have a significant impact on the implementation of the Tbilisi transport policy. 

Also, the rehabilitation works of the upper vestibule of the “Avlabri” metro station have begun since it was in a state of disrepair. In the course of the works, the emergency condition of the iron-concrete console on the perimeter of the arched structure of the station was revealed. 

Accordingly, with the participation of both the project and the construction company, several studies were planned and carried out with relevant expert companies in order to study the necessity of dismantling the console and, in case of dismantling, the constructive sustainability of the remaining buildings.

 Notably, after receiving expert conclusions, a detailed draft of the dismantling was prepared and a full package of documentation for the final examination was submitted to the National Bureau of Forensic Expertise named after Levan Samkharauli. 

As Kaladze noted, “In the coming days we are waiting for the bureau’s verdict, which will be sent to the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development “Technical and Construction Supervision Agency” for the production of dismantling works.”

 Based on the specifics of the disassembly of the console, it may be necessary to close the metro station “Avlabri” for two weeks. If necessary, detailed information will be provided to the public. Concerning the rehabilitation work at the subway station is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.