EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. The Government of Georgia has requested the World Bank’s assistance in upgrading several segments of the East-West highway. The section between Ruisi and Rikoti of approximately 49 km is a two-lane carriageway road, which passes through mountainous and flat terrain. The upcoming investment is intended for upgrading the section from 2-lane to 4-lane highway. This project is financed through a loan by the World Bank to the Government of Georgia and aims to upgrade several segments of the East-West highway. The road passes through populated villages and the city of Khashuri, where extensive traffic delays are frequent and traffic safety is an issue due to high density of traffic along dense urban settlements and urban roads. The detailed design covers the section Ruisi up to the start of the Rikoti Tunnel (km 95 to km 143) and does not cover any works to the Rikoti Tunnel itself or to any of its installations. The detailed design and bidding documents will be implemented within the scope of World Bank program to be financed under the Second East-West Highway Improvement Project. Therefore, the RDMRDI requested that safeguard regulations of WB and in particular, the OP 4.12 (Involuntary Resettlement Policy)  should be regarded.