The historic Kukushka train, which links the resorts of Borjomi and Bakuriani, will return to its route in December. The announcement was made by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia Mariam Kvrivishvili at a ceremony marking Railwayman's Day. Railways, she said, connect people, cities and regions, creating new opportunities for the country's development.
Restoration work on the line is nearing completion. According to the minister, the design of the carriages, specially selected for the project, is in harmony with the nature and historic character of Bakuriani.
We wanted this to be more than just a renovated train, but the atmosphere and mood that accompanied this unique route for decades.
— Mariam Kvrivishvili, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Georgia
The Borjomi–Bakuriani railway line is the only narrow-gauge section of the Georgian Railway. Construction began in 1897, and traffic opened in 1902. The 37.2-kilometre route takes the train roughly two and a half hours to traverse because of the complex mountain terrain.
For a long time, a small steam locomotive ran on this branch, and its nickname "Kukushka" stayed with the modern electric train. Service on the route was suspended in 2020, during the pandemic, and has not resumed since.
As local media reported, in May the Georgian Railway announced a tender for the restoration of the electric locomotive. A contract worth 1.1 million dollars was signed with the company Akhali Impulsi.
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