The Gudauri Tunnel in Georgia, a crucial segment of the north-south corridor KK highway, has achieved breakthrough on April 23rd, 30 days ahead of schedule, thanks to the construction efforts of China Railway Tunnel Bureau. This achievement holds significant technical importance and lays a solid foundation for Georgia's transportation and economic development.
The total length of the north-south corridor KK highway is 22.7 kilometers, with LOT1 project of China Railway Tunnel Bureau Group covering a 10-kilometer stretch, including the 8860-meter Gudauri Tunnel. Designed as a two-lane bidirectional tunnel, it stands as one of the largest infrastructure projects within Georgia. Construction faced complex geological conditions and high technical standards, hence utilizing the world's largest diameter hard rock tunnel boring machine, the "Caucasus" for excavation. Manufactured and designed independently in China, this machine boasts excellent performance parameters, providing strong support for the smooth progress of the project.
The construction of the Gudauri Tunnel posed numerous challenges, with nearly half of its length buried deeper than 700 meters and reaching a maximum depth of 1121 meters. Geological conditions were complex, and the project design and construction adhered to European standards, presenting significant technical difficulties. However, through continuous optimization of construction plans by the China Railway Tunnel Bureau project team and the relentless efforts of construction personnel, remarkable achievements have been made in this tunnel project. Since its inception in September 2021, the "Caucasus" TBM has achieved a monthly maximum excavation rate of 426 meters, setting a new record in the history of large-diameter TBM tunnel construction.
The completion of the north-south corridor KK highway in Georgia holds great significance for the local economy and transportation. This road connects neighboring countries such as Russia, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, addressing winter transportation interruptions, reducing travel distances and time, greatly improving traffic efficiency and safety. It benefits not only local residents' travel and freight transportation but also promotes rapid development in cultural tourism, labor employment, and border trade in the northern mountainous regions of Georgia.
Prime Minister Kobakhidze stated that the breakthrough of the Gudauri Tunnel marks a significant milestone for Georgia's largest tunnel, providing a safer passage for local residents and tourists while injecting new impetus into Georgia's economic development. The completion of this project will play an important role in improving Georgia's road network, addressing winter transportation interruptions in the northern mountainous regions, and promoting local economic development.
The breakthrough of the Gudauri Tunnel signifies a significant progress in the north-south corridor KK highway project in Georgia and demonstrates the technical strength and construction level of China Railway Tunnel Bureau in the international infrastructure field. This achievement will further promote cooperation between Georgia and neighboring countries, strengthen its geostrategic and economic status at the Eurasian crossroads, and lay a solid foundation for Georgia's modern transportation system.