Georgia: Tbilisi Metro Modernization Project

OBJECTIVE

To enhance the efficiency, reliability, safety and sustainability of the Tbilisi Metro system t�hrough the procurement of new rolling stock.

DESCRIPTION

The project encompasses the procurement of 97 electric metro cars (comprising 13 units of 4-car and 9 units of 5-car metro trains). This initiative aims to replace the existing metro cars scheduled for decommissioning between 2025 and 2030 due to safety reasons and operational life span limitations.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL INFORMATION

Environmental and Social Policy and Categorization. AIIB’s Environmental and Social Policy (ESP), including the Environment and Social Standards (ESSs) and the Environmental and Social Exclusion List (ESEL) is applicable to this project. ESS 1 (Environmental and Social Assessment and Management) is triggered. ESS 2 (Involuntary Resettlement) and ESS 3 (Indigenous Peoples) are not triggered as no land acquisition, no resettlement and no adverse impacts on livelihood and indigenous peoples are anticipated. The Project is categorized as B as the anticipated Environmental and Social (E&S) risks and impacts of the Project are minor, localized, reversible, and temporary in nature.

Environmental and Social Instruments. An Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) scaled to the limited risks and impacts of the Project is envisaged to be used. The focus will be management of E&S impacts during the operation and maintenance of new rolling stock and decommissioning of old rolling stock. Appropriate mitigation measures and environmental monitoring programs will be developed as part of the ESMP including during mobilization. The project team will help the borrower in finalization of ESMP TORs. 

Environmental and Social Aspects. The Project will contribute to enhance the efficiency and safety of Tbilisi Metro. The potential negative environmental risks and impacts during the operation of the new rolling stock and decommissioning of old rolling stock, including possible associated facilities (AFs), are associated with generation of waste including hazardous waste, wastewater, noise and vibration, and occupational health and safety risks. Best international industry practices, reliable mechanisms, safety standards, and precautionary measures are expected to be sufficient to manage risks in a predictable manner in the ESMP. There is no potential adverse social impact. The Project will improve the mobility of men and women and will contribute towards additional employment generation in formal and informal sectors. The only anticipated social risk is related to gender-based violence (GBV). The existing system of the borrower to address GBV issues will be reviewed and opportunities to strengthen those will be discussed during the due diligence process.

Occupational health and safety, Stakeholder Engagement, Consultation, and Information Disclosure. The ESMP will include measures to address occupational health and safety (OHS) issues during project implementation phase, especially OHS risks associated with the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the Metro. The borrower will identify and map the stakeholders. The consultations will be carried out with all the stakeholders and will be documented in the ESMP. A stakeholder engagement plan (SEP) will be prepared as part of the ESMP which will be implemented during project preparation and implementation. The E&S documents including ESMP and SEP both in English and local language will be timely disclosed in an appropriate manner.

Project Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) and Monitoring Arrangement. The existing complaints mechanisms for passengers and employees will be reviewed. Potential enhancements will be discussed with the borrower during the E&S due diligence (ESDD) process to ensure that GRM is accessible and culturally appropriate. The information of accessible GRM as well as the information of the Project-affected People’s Mechanism (PPM) of AIIB will also be timely disclosed in an appropriate manner. In addition, E&S monitoring and reporting arrangement of the Project will also be discussed and determined with the Borrower during the ESDD.