Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze announced this week that the project, ‘Increasing accessibility to Tbilisi Metro Stations and improving external infrastructure’, is currently underway. The estimated cost is $16million. The project involves increasing accessibility at four metro stations in Tbilisi: Akhmeteli Theater (Didube, Delisi and Technical University); arranging additional exits on the territory of metro station Akhmeteli Theater; and improving above-ground infrastructure of 12 metro stations, including Ghrmaghele and Nadzaladevi. At the same time, there will be mechanization-equipment refitting at selected stations for disabled people.”
Ramola Naik Singru, a representative of the Asian Development Bank, discussed with us the program for sustainable development of cities.
She tells us that ADB has strict due diligence requirements, and that it ensures quality control in all its projects. “The Metro Accessibility Project Pre-feasibility Study was prepared by Cities Development Initiative for Asia with ADB in consultation, stakeholder consultations, and coordination with other donors.” Project Readiness Financing for Livable Cities Investment Program will prepare further feasibility studies before it is financed by LCIP.
She also mentions, “The Metro Accessibility Project has strong inclusive design elements.” An accessibility expert is on board to work with the Tbilisi Development Fund to review all designs of subprojects under the LCIP.” She adds that “ADB published the Inclusive Cities: Urban Area Guidelines https://www.adb.org/publications/inclusive-cities-urban-area-guidelines, that are applied to all projects to ensure the built environment is adapted for persons with disabilities, older persons, and women and children. The ADB component will ensure improved access across the network.”
Ramola Naik Singru has been kind enough to give us a brief assessment of 2022.
“In general, we had a successful start in 2022 and look forward to working with our counterparts on a successful implementation of the Project,” she said.
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