The Polish Engineer at the Origins of Georgian Railways

2026-10-12

TRACECA.ge supports the initiative of the Transport Corridor Research Center, which aims to properly highlight the contributions of the Polish engineer Bolesław Statkowski.

The work of numerous engineers and public figures lies at the origins of the history of the Georgian railway. Among them, the Polish engineer Bolesław Statkowski (1825–1898) deserves special attention; his name is associated with the engineering and economic justification for developing a railway line from Poti towards Tbilisi and Baku in the mid-19th century, as well as with key stages in the design and organization of the Transcaucasian railway infrastructure.

In 1857, Statkowski submitted a proposal regarding the necessity of constructing a railway line from Poti to Baku. His work played a significant role during the initial stage of railway development in the region. Niko Nikoladze also made a significant contribution to the development of the Georgian railway; his work involved facilitating railway construction, developing the Tkibuli railway line, and highlighting the economic importance of transport infrastructure.

The contributions of Statkovsky and Niko Nikoladze complement one another and constitute vital chapters in the history of the Georgian railway. Highlighting their work allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the historical process that fostered the development of the railway sector in Georgia.

The Transport Corridor Research Center proposes a thorough study of Statkovsky’s contributions and suggests considering the installation of a memorial plaque honoring his work on the Georgian Railway headquarters or at the Tbilisi Central Station (transcor.ge). TRACECA.ge supports this undertaking and believes that the implementation of the initiative will help promote Georgia’s transport heritage, highlight historical ties with Poland, and ensure due recognition of the significant contribution made to the development of the railway.

TRACECA.ge