First Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia and Chairman of Roads Department Irakli Karseladze and Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency Noriko Suzuki signed the aide-mémoire within the construction of Shorapani-Argveta section of Rikoti pass road.

For construction of Shorapani-Argveta section within the East-West Highway Improvement Project, JICA will allocate financial resources of about 343 million USD for Georgia.

On Shorapani-Argveta section, construction of 14.7 km and 4-lane cement concrete road, 14 bridges and 12 tunnels is envisaged in compliance with the project. The bidding for construction of this section was already announced, and the deadline for submission of bids is September 13. 

In sum, construction of up to 51.6 km road is planned on Rikoti pass, which includes 96 bridges and 53 tunnels. Modernization of Rikoti pass section is very important for development of road network and compliance with modern standards. Modernization of Rikoti will promote conductivity of highway road, increase transit turnover as well as traffic safety level and reduce travel time.

It is noteworthy, that Rikoti pass section is one of the most important parts of E60 East-West highway. Development of East-West highway represents the largest component of large-scale infrastructure projects planned within the spatial development of the country.

Construction of Rikoti pass section is divided into 4 sections: Chumateleti-Khevi section (section I) 11.7 km, Khevi-Ubisa section (section II) 12.2 km, Ubisa-Shorapani section (section III) 13 km and Shorapani-Argveta section (section IV) 14.7 km.