CRRC((China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation) has unveiled the first new-generation metro trainset being manufactured for the Tbilisi Metro in Georgia, marking an important step in the modernisation of the Georgian capital’s ageing metro fleet and CRRC’s expansion into the 1,520 mm-gauge metro market.
The first four-car trainset was unveiled in China in early September 2026 and is undergoing testing ahead of its planned delivery to Tbilisi.
The new trains are being manufactured by Chinese rolling stock manufacturer CRRC as part of Tbilisi’s programme to replace and modernise its metro fleet.
111 New Metro Cars for Tbilisi
The wider procurement covers 111 metro cars forming 25 trainsets, comprising:
- 14 four-car trainsets
- 11 five-car trainsets
The procurement contract is valued at approximately €150 million excluding VAT.
The contract was awarded to Georgian company GT Group, which is supplying the trains in cooperation with CRRC as the rolling stock manufacturer.
The programme is being implemented by the Tbilisi Transport Company (TTC) and forms part of a wider investment in improving the reliability, accessibility and passenger experience of the city’s metro network.
First Train Undergoing Testing
Following its unveiling, the first train is expected to undergo a programme of testing and commissioning before shipment to Georgia.
Representatives from Tbilisi have also reportedly participated in activities in China associated with testing and technical training.
Delivery of the first new train to Georgia is expected later in 2026, while passenger operation is expected to begin during 2027, initially on Tbilisi Metro Line 1.
The introduction of the new rolling stock represents a major fleet renewal for a metro system that continues to operate trains originating from the Soviet era.
Strategic Significance for CRRC
The Tbilisi programme is particularly significant because the trains have been developed for the 1,520 mm broad-gauge railway standard used by the Tbilisi Metro.
This gives the project significance beyond Georgia itself.
A successful introduction in Tbilisi could provide CRRC with an important reference project for metro and urban rail networks operating on the 1,520 mm gauge across parts of Eastern Europe, Central Asia and other former Soviet railway markets.
CRRC has already established a substantial international presence across conventional rail, high-speed rail, metro, light rail and locomotive markets. The Tbilisi project adds another specialised metro platform to its growing international portfolio.
Modernising Tbilisi Metro
Tbilisi Metro is one of the oldest metro systems in the region, having opened in 1966.
Fleet renewal has therefore become an important element of the city’s long-term public transport modernisation programme.
The new trains are expected to progressively replace older rolling stock while providing improvements in passenger comfort, operational performance and maintainability.
The procurement is also supported by international financing, including funding associated with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
With the first train now unveiled, attention will move to completion of testing, delivery to Georgia and subsequent testing and commissioning on the Tbilisi Metro network ahead of passenger service.
News Summary
Project: Tbilisi Metro Rolling Stock Renewal
Location: Tbilisi, Georgia 🇬🇪
Operator: Tbilisi Transport Company (TTC)
Supplier: GT Group
Rolling Stock Manufacturer: CRRC
Procurement: 111 metro cars / 25 trainsets
Configuration: 14 four-car and 11 five-car trainsets
Gauge: 1,520 mm
Contract Value: Approximately €150 million excluding VAT
Current Status: First trainset unveiled and undergoing testing in China
First Delivery: Expected later in 2026
Passenger Service: Expected from 2027
Initial Deployment: Tbilisi Metro Line 1
Sources
- Tbilisi Transport Company — official information on the new metro rolling stock procurement
- Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank — Tbilisi Metro Modernization Project
- CRRC / Chinese industry reporting — unveiling and testing of the first Tbilisi metro train
- Georgian business and transport media reporting on the rolling stock procurement
Related Railway News
