Kukushka Train from Borjomi to Bakuriani Due Back in December 2026, a Month Earlier Than Planned

The narrow-gauge railway between Borjomi and Bakuriani, known as the Kukushka, should carry passengers again in December 2026. Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili said so on 9 October at an event for Railway Workers' Day, as reported by Interpressnews and Georgia Today.

What the minister said

According to the minister, rehabilitation of the line is nearing completion. The carriages were chosen specifically for this route, and their design is meant to fit the nature and historical character of Bakuriani. Kvrivishvili added that about 2 billion lari will be invested in Georgian Railways over the next three years.

The Kukushka has not run for several years. In April 2026 Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced a full restoration of the track and rolling stock, with five stations along the route to be renovated, and named January 2027 as the restart date. The new target is about a month earlier.

What is still unknown

The minister did not give an exact start date. The timetable, fares and ticket sales have not been announced yet. If the train starts on time, it will run during the winter season in Bakuriani, one of the ski resorts in Georgia.

Until then, Bakuriani can only be reached by road, for example by minibus (marshrutka) from Tbilisi. For now the December restart is a plan announced by the government, and no timetable has been published.