Pashinyan orders creation of a working group to discuss efficiency of South Caucasus Railway’s concession management
15.10.2026,
18:03
Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan has decided to establish a working group to address issues related to the efficiency of the concession management of the South Caucasus Railway (SCR) CJSC.
YEREVAN, October 15. /ARKA/. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan has decided to establish a working group to address issues related to the efficiency of the concession management of the South Caucasus Railway (SCR) CJSC.
According to the Prime Minister’s decision, the working group is being formed following an agreement reached on October 14, 2026, during a meeting between Pashinyan and Oleg Belozerov, General Director and Chairman of the Management Board of Russian Railways OJSC.
Over the next three months, the working group is tasked with discussing challenges concerning the efficiency of the SCR’s concession management, identifying potential solutions, and determining future steps. Pashinyan also noted that the Russian side does not view sanctions as an obstacle to resolving these issues, whereas the Armenian side perceives them as a problem.
At a briefing on Thursday, Pashinyan stated that Armenia has no issue with the Russian concession itself; rather, the primary objective is to ensure the competitiveness of Armenia’s railways.
Regarding the meeting between Pashinyan and Belozerov
During the meeting on October 14, Pashinyan emphasized that, in light of the potential for unblocking regional transport links, the Armenian government aims to enhance the competitiveness of the country’s railways and integrate them into the rail networks of neighboring states as well as international transport routes. The parties discussed projects for the reconstruction of the Gyumri–Akhurik–Turkish border and Yeraskh–Nakhichevan railway sections, as well as the opportunities that would arise from their implementation.
Furthermore, they reviewed infrastructure development efforts under the concession management of the South Caucasus Railway (SCR), the efficiency of this management, existing challenges, and potential solutions.
Following the meeting, an agreement was reached to establish a joint working group.
According to the Prime Minister’s decision, the working group is being formed following an agreement reached on October 14, 2026, during a meeting between Pashinyan and Oleg Belozerov, General Director and Chairman of the Management Board of Russian Railways OJSC.
Over the next three months, the working group is tasked with discussing challenges concerning the efficiency of the SCR’s concession management, identifying potential solutions, and determining future steps. Pashinyan also noted that the Russian side does not view sanctions as an obstacle to resolving these issues, whereas the Armenian side perceives them as a problem.
At a briefing on Thursday, Pashinyan stated that Armenia has no issue with the Russian concession itself; rather, the primary objective is to ensure the competitiveness of Armenia’s railways.
Regarding the meeting between Pashinyan and Belozerov
During the meeting on October 14, Pashinyan emphasized that, in light of the potential for unblocking regional transport links, the Armenian government aims to enhance the competitiveness of the country’s railways and integrate them into the rail networks of neighboring states as well as international transport routes. The parties discussed projects for the reconstruction of the Gyumri–Akhurik–Turkish border and Yeraskh–Nakhichevan railway sections, as well as the opportunities that would arise from their implementation.
Furthermore, they reviewed infrastructure development efforts under the concession management of the South Caucasus Railway (SCR), the efficiency of this management, existing challenges, and potential solutions.
Following the meeting, an agreement was reached to establish a joint working group.
