Vanadzor-Fioletovo and Armenia-Iran railways construction on government’s agenda : PM

YEREVAN, May 29./ARKA/. The construction of Vanadzor-Fioletovo and Armenia-Iran railways remain on the government’s agenda, Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan told reporters on Tuesday.

Sargsyan noted, on the request of the Armenian side, the specialists from different institutions, under the auspices of the Russian Railways, consulted the government of Armenia concerning the efficiency of the Fioletovo and Armenia-Iran  projects. 

“The experts introduced us with several possible scenarios, and they are on our agenda today,” Sargsyan responded to ARKA. 

North-South railway connects Armenia with Iran which will allow to use alternative ways of transportation of energy resources and other goods. Currently railway communications of Armenia with foreign countries is provided only through the territory of Georgia.

In November 2011, former Armenian transport and communications minister Manuk Vardanyan said the project is ready, and a group of experts headed by deputy transport minister of Armenia, Iran and Russia, is working on it.

According to the experts, the project total budget will stand at 1.7-2.8 billion dollars. The project is currently discussed by Russia, Iran and China. The interest was also shown by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. 

In December 2012, former economy minister of Armenia Tigran Davtyan said the project of Vanadzor-Fioletovo railway construction will not be implemented in the near future. Earlier, General Director of SCR Viktor Rebets said the estimated cost of the project varied within $250-500 million. 

South Caucasus Railways, a 100-percent subsidiary of Russian Railways, runs Armenian Railway. 

Armenian Railways was handed over to the South Caucasus Railways on February 13, 2008 for 30-year concession management with a right to prolong the management term for other 10 years. -0-