Georgia History: The Cable Cars of Chiatura

The Cable Cars of Chiatura

Chiatura, Georgia

Above the city are industrial constructions from the Stalin era that are now abandoned and dangerous to enter. They are commonly referred to as "death traps."

Chiatura, Georgia, was established with steep valleys and deep gorges due to manganese deposits that were suitable for mining. However, the harsh terrain made it challenging and ineffective for miners to navigate on foot. To overcome this obstacle, the Soviet government constructed a risky system of cable cars.

Surprisingly, some of the original cable cars were still in operation a few years ago despite being rusted and deteriorating. However, they have now been retired, and their stations closed, with the wagons left lifelessly on the lines.

Chiatura was established in the late 1800s as a mining colony renowned for its abundant manganese and iron reserves from the mountains. However, commuting workers from the communities at the bottom of the hilly gorges and canyons to the mining sites took time and effort.

In 1954, the Stalinist government installed a system of cable cars to transport workers into mine tunnels more efficiently. These "metal coffins" could also carry ore directly to factories, significantly increasing productivity and output in the mines.

After the USSR collapsed, numerous mines shut down, but the cable cars continued to be used. Unfortunately, the maintenance of the lines and stations was insufficient, and the old ropeways were eventually retired in 2018. However, some 17-plus old stations will be preserved as cultural heritage sites.

Starting in September 2021, commuters and visitors in Chiatura can enjoy a new fleet of modern ropeways constructed by the French company Poma. These ropeways consist of four new lines: Mukhadze, Lezhubani, Sanatorium, and Naguti.

Know Before You Go

The old Chiatura cable cars have been retired but will be restored. Some stations are currently closed off with barricades, while the old wagons remain motionless on their lines.

Fortunately, four new cable cars are now available and depart from the Central Cable Car Station in the city centre. These new cable cars are fully operational and open from 8 am-8 pm, with a brief closure from 2 pm-3 pm. The cost for one-way tickets is 50 tetri.