Pashinyan: Russia's control of Armenian railway could hinder Armenia's regional transport integration
19.09.2026,
10:51
The Russian company's control of Armenian railways, amid tensions between Russia and the West, could hinder Armenia's inclusion in regional transport networks, stated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
YEREVAN, September 19. /ARKA/. The Russian company's control of Armenian railways, amid tensions between Russia and the West, could hinder Armenia's inclusion in regional transport networks, stated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
"The railway issue is a crucial one on the Armenian-Russian agenda. Armenia was blockaded by Turkey and Azerbaijan for nearly 35 years, and major regional investment projects were carried out bypassing the country. Now, with the establishment of peace and in the context of the TRIPP project, we have a chance to reopen the railway and integrate into the international transport network," Pashinyan said on Saturday during the "Third Term" program on Bun-TV.
According to him, the management of the Armenian Railways (SCR – ed.) by a Russian company (RZD – ed.) amid the deteriorating relations between Russia and the West creates obstacles to realizing this opportunity.
"The entire world – both the West and the East – is very excited about the TRIPP project and the prospect of restoring regional communications. However, because the Armenian Railways is managed by Russia, efforts are underway to bypass Armenia this time as well," Pashinyan stated.
He explained that there is a risk that the railway will enter Armenia from Nrnadzor and exit the country from Agarak. However, the main international traffic may not pass through Armenia to Turkey, but instead head there through Nakhichevan.
"The Kars-Dilucu railway line (in Turkey – ed.) is currently under intensive construction. We have no legitimacy to impede its construction, but we have the right to compete with it. "And we see that we won't be able to compete," Pashinyan said.
At the same time, the prime minister emphasized that Yerevan has no problem with the railway's Russian management.
"The problem is that, due to this fact and the tensions in relations between Russia and the West, Armenia could be excluded from the program it initiated (the TRIPP project – ed.)," he said.
According to Pashinyan, possible additional Russian investment in Armenia's railway won't solve the problem, as it would be Russian investment, while international investors are reluctant to enter into relations with Russia due to the risk of sanctions.
The prime minister mentioned transferring concession rights to a third party as a possible solution. "What we expect is that Russia, with our consent, sells the concession rights to a third party that would be acceptable to both us and the Russians," he said.
Speaking about a possible third party, Pashinyan noted that experts are naming Kazakhstan, which has a developed railway infrastructure and investment experience. "Yes, Kazakhstan is an acceptable candidate for us," Pashinyan stated.
About SCR
South Caucasus Railway (SCR) is a subsidiary of Russian Railways and has been managing Armenia's railway infrastructure under a concession agreement since 2008. The concession agreement was signed on February 13, 2008, for a term of 30 years with the right to extend.
About the TRIPP Project
The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project envisions the creation of a seamless multimodal transit infrastructure in Armenia while maintaining the republic's full sovereignty over the project infrastructure within its territory. Specifically, the project is intended to provide transport links between the mainland of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, as well as expand regional routes linking Central Asia and the Caspian region with Europe.
In June 2026, Armenia and the United States signed a framework agreement on strategic cooperation under the TRIPP. A joint Armenian-American company, the TRIPP Development Company, was established to implement the project. The United States holds a 74% stake, while Armenia holds a 26% stake.
"The railway issue is a crucial one on the Armenian-Russian agenda. Armenia was blockaded by Turkey and Azerbaijan for nearly 35 years, and major regional investment projects were carried out bypassing the country. Now, with the establishment of peace and in the context of the TRIPP project, we have a chance to reopen the railway and integrate into the international transport network," Pashinyan said on Saturday during the "Third Term" program on Bun-TV.
According to him, the management of the Armenian Railways (SCR – ed.) by a Russian company (RZD – ed.) amid the deteriorating relations between Russia and the West creates obstacles to realizing this opportunity.
"The entire world – both the West and the East – is very excited about the TRIPP project and the prospect of restoring regional communications. However, because the Armenian Railways is managed by Russia, efforts are underway to bypass Armenia this time as well," Pashinyan stated.
He explained that there is a risk that the railway will enter Armenia from Nrnadzor and exit the country from Agarak. However, the main international traffic may not pass through Armenia to Turkey, but instead head there through Nakhichevan.
"The Kars-Dilucu railway line (in Turkey – ed.) is currently under intensive construction. We have no legitimacy to impede its construction, but we have the right to compete with it. "And we see that we won't be able to compete," Pashinyan said.
At the same time, the prime minister emphasized that Yerevan has no problem with the railway's Russian management.
"The problem is that, due to this fact and the tensions in relations between Russia and the West, Armenia could be excluded from the program it initiated (the TRIPP project – ed.)," he said.
According to Pashinyan, possible additional Russian investment in Armenia's railway won't solve the problem, as it would be Russian investment, while international investors are reluctant to enter into relations with Russia due to the risk of sanctions.
The prime minister mentioned transferring concession rights to a third party as a possible solution. "What we expect is that Russia, with our consent, sells the concession rights to a third party that would be acceptable to both us and the Russians," he said.
Speaking about a possible third party, Pashinyan noted that experts are naming Kazakhstan, which has a developed railway infrastructure and investment experience. "Yes, Kazakhstan is an acceptable candidate for us," Pashinyan stated.
About SCR
South Caucasus Railway (SCR) is a subsidiary of Russian Railways and has been managing Armenia's railway infrastructure under a concession agreement since 2008. The concession agreement was signed on February 13, 2008, for a term of 30 years with the right to extend.
About the TRIPP Project
The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project envisions the creation of a seamless multimodal transit infrastructure in Armenia while maintaining the republic's full sovereignty over the project infrastructure within its territory. Specifically, the project is intended to provide transport links between the mainland of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, as well as expand regional routes linking Central Asia and the Caspian region with Europe.
In June 2026, Armenia and the United States signed a framework agreement on strategic cooperation under the TRIPP. A joint Armenian-American company, the TRIPP Development Company, was established to implement the project. The United States holds a 74% stake, while Armenia holds a 26% stake.
