A railway modernisation project built by a Chinese contractor opened in full in Georgia in December 2025. Earlier that year, Wuhan launched a Trans-Caspian service to Poti and Tbilisi, bringing further progress in both infrastructure and transport services supporting China–Georgia trade.
According to People’s Daily, Georgia’s railway modernisation project, built by China Railway 23rd Bureau Group, opened in full on 24 December 2025 local time. Approximately 43.9 kilometres long, the line connects Zestafoni and Khashuri and forms an important part of Georgia’s east–west transport corridor and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor. Its opening adds infrastructure support for regional rail freight operations.
Transport services were also expanding. A report published on the Wuhan municipal government website stated that Wuhan launched its first Trans-Caspian route with destinations in Georgia on 24 May 2025. Cargo included light machinery, agricultural vehicles and building materials. The published route exits China through Khorgos, crosses the Caspian Sea from Aktau in Kazakhstan to Baku, and then continues by rail to Poti and Tbilisi in Georgia.
From a trade logistics perspective, these developments bring together two capabilities: international freight trains connect cargo origins in China with the Georgian market, while upgraded domestic rail infrastructure supports onward movement and local distribution. Businesses planning to export machinery, vehicles and building materials to Georgia can assess logistics options in greater detail by specifying the arrival terminal, final warehouse location and unloading conditions.
Businesses should also distinguish between importing goods into Georgia and using Georgia for transit. Imports require local customs clearance and delivery, while transit shipments require separate confirmation of onward rail, sea or road arrangements. The railway project has long-term value for the corridor, but service schedules, transshipment waiting times and arrival dates for individual consignments must still be confirmed against the actual transport plan. Clearly defining responsibilities, documentation and the scope of charges across each domestic and international leg helps make Trans-Caspian shipments easier to execute.
Sources
1. People’s Daily: Georgia Railway Modernisation Project Built by Chinese Contractor Opens to Traffic | 2025-12-26
2. Wuhan Municipal People’s Government Website / Changjiang Daily: New Wuhan China–Europe Freight Train Route Crosses the Caspian Sea to Georgia | 2025-05-25